CBD Oil for Bipolar Disorder: What You Need To Know?

Does CBD oil for bipolar disorder work? Here you will learn everything about how it works.

Did you know that 2.8% of the US population, which makes up seven million people, has had bipolar disorder in the past year? According to Oxford University research, while these dramatic mood swings might not be fatal for you, they can lower an individual’s life expectancy by 9-20 years.

Treatment usually includes a mix of mood-stabilizing drugs and antidepressants, as well as counseling. Yet, bipolar disorder medication entails a risk of toxication, for which many individuals turn their heads to natural alternatives such as CBD.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a psychotic illness that causes a rapid change in mood and energy levels. In other words, the individual with bipolar disorder will be at two extremes of emotions. They can be either too excited about everything in life or too sad about minor things.

The imbalance of neurochemicals is the real cause of the problem. You might already know that different brain chemicals oscillate and interplay to manage human emotions. These chemicals, or neurotransmitters, are dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, etc.

Everyone’s mood varies to a certain degree, which is natural. Sometimes you have phases of happiness and moments of sadness and anger. But, in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, such mood swings are much more extreme. In other words, it makes it challenging for them to conduct daily tasks.

As bipolar disorder occurs due to neurotransmitter shifts, the symptoms might differ for every patient. And that is why the actual cause of the bipolar disorder has not been determined yet.

There are three different types of bipolar disorder, such as:

1. Manic Episodes: It is a hyperactivation of the brain that makes sufferers superactive and energized.
2. Major Depressive Episodes: This type of episode causes you extreme anxiety and stress. You might feel unable to perform daily tasks in this situation. The extremity of this episode is having suicidal thoughts.
3. Hypomanic Episodes: This bipolar disorder comes with depressive and manic episodes. During this episode, you might cope with your daily tasks but with anxiety and paranoia.

What are The Causes of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is not subject to a single cause; it entails a mix of different factors leading to the condition. It can be genetic or triggered by some unfavorable social and environmental effects. Some of the most prominent causes of the disorder are:

• PTSD or post-traumatic stress
• Hormonal disturbances
• Unbalanced hormones
• Poorly balanced neurotransmitters
• Neurodegenerative Diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.
• Excessive mental stress is a condition in which a person’s mind is
• Genetic link
• Depression that lasts a long time

Are There Any Treatment Options For Bipolar Disorder?

Since finding the root cause of the disease is challenging, treating bipolar disorder is very difficult.

The most effective medication for the illness is psychosocial counseling. The psychologist identifies predisposing factors and core problems like a background of trauma or emotional issues.

Other potential culprits, like hormonal abnormalities, also need investigation and address as needed. Some medicinal drugs are beneficial for treating bipolar symptoms; yet, they are not the root problem. Some of these drugs are:

• Valproic acid, a mood booster
• Zyprexa or Latuda which are psychiatric medicines
• Anti-depression drugs
• Anti-seizure drugs

Besides these drugs, there are some therapy options for bipolar disorders such as:

• Psychotherapy
• Dietary changes
• Administering herbal drugs
• Preventing mental stress
• Exclusion of perceptions
• Using CBD products

Does CBD Oil for Bipolar Disorder Work?

Many individuals claim to take CBD oil to treat mood and behavioral disorders such as depression and anxiety. Although some studies prove that CBD may benefit these disorders, there is a lack of studies.

Moreover, CBD can also be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, according to a 2015 study, and CBD may well have antidepressant properties, according to a 2018 research. As a result of such encouraging studies, many individuals wonder if CBD can benefit patients with bipolar disorder.

Although studies on CBD oil for depression and bipolar disorder are not much, there are some promising results of the preliminary studies.

Reduce Manic Episodes

CBD oil can work for extreme joy and energetic sensations encountered during manic episodes. The researchers of a 1998 trial found that hemp consumers reacted significantly better than patients taking standard medications. However, the research showed promising results for manic patients; it can not be generalized for bipolar disorder on the whole.

Antidepressant Properties

People cherish CBD oil’s benefits for anxiety and depression symptoms. However, there is some strong evidence about its effectiveness.

It is worth noting that CBD works with the innate cell signaling system of the body called Endocannabinoid system-ECS. The ECS comprises two receptors that are CB1 and CB2. The cannabinoids like endogenous cannabinoids interact with these receptors to maintain the balance of the body’s functions, such as mood-stabilizing and alleviating anxiety.

CBD oil for bipolar depression can be a solution since a study in 2007 revealed that the hyperactive phase of bipolar disorder is associated with a lower occurrence of CB1 receptors. As CBD comes with the potential to stimulate CB1 brain receptors, this could explain CBD’s beneficial effects on manic depression.

As said earlier, hormonal imbalance is one of the reasons for bipolar disorder symptoms; CBD can be promising for hormonal balance in the body. CBD oil can help you process serotonin more effectively, which can help you calm down the senses.

Better Stress Response

Stress and anxiety can be a breeding ground for bipolar disorder, and CBD oil is proven to help with stress and anxiety. Overlooking adequate anxiety treatment, or a distressed person with a family background of depression have more chances of manic depression.

While interacting with the Endocannabinoid system, CBD oil regulates the body’s stress response abilities. Moreover, CBD also helps control the hormonal disturbances responsible for despair and melancholy among people.

No Drug Dependency

The prescribed medication for bipolar disorder management comes with side effects such as drug dependency and long-term use. CBD oil does not have such effects. CBD is harmless since THC induces high and euphoric sensations. In simple words, CBD oil can be a holistic solution for coping with bipolar disorder symptoms.

Why Use CBD Oil for Mood Disorders?

Neuroprotectant

According to a study, CBD comes with neuroprotective properties that minimize oxidative stress and anxiety symptoms, which are the driving factors of bipolar disorder.

In simple terms, CBD helps people cope with stress better and healthier way. It can also help with depression, both acute and chronic.

Anti Inflammatory

CBD entails anti-inflammatory properties as per different clinical and animal research. It is worth mentioning that oxidative stress or inflammatory problems can harm the bairn cells, resulting in hormonal abnormalities. For that, CBD is beneficial as it counteracts inflammation.

Non-Toxic Alternative

CBD is non-psychoactive, which will not get you high like THC. Non-toxicity is a potentially good attribute because psychoactive substances exacerbate the effects of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar.

No Adverse effects

CBD is a non-addictive substance which means it is free of the complications associated with regularly administered antipsychotic drugs.

Why Not Use CBD Oil for Mood Disorders?

CBD Market Irregularities

Although CBD oil does not have severe side effects, the CBD market entails a hazy regulation. While the 2018 hemp farm bill started selling CBD products less than 0.3% THC, many CBD vendors sell mislabeled products with more THC concentrations or contaminants.

Insufficient Evidence

The research regarding CBD oil for bipolar disorders is limited. Moreover, much of the study is either performed pre-clinically or on rodents. More research and human trials are necessary to confirm the CBDs working for mood disorders.

What is CBD Product Best for Bipolar Disorder?

CBD oil

CBD is first extracted from the trichomes of the hemp plant in oil form and then added to carrier oils for better flavor and bioavailability. Many CBD users prefer CBD oil since it is easy to measure and use with a dropper bottle.

Moreover, pacing CBD oil under the tongue will trigger the CBD effects within minutes as the capillaries there will instantly add CBD to the bloodstream. In addition, you can add CBD oil to food or tea, although it will take an hour or more to start to work.

CBD Capsules

CBD oil has earthy and grass-like flavors that many CBD users dislike. So for those who do not enjoy the CBD flavor, they can take the CBD capsules. The soft gelatine cover filled with precise CBD dosing lets users conceal the CBD taste. However, CBD capsules have to metabolize first to induce the effects; it will take 60-90 minutes to work.

CBD Vapes

The chemical absorption from the lungs is faster and better than through the digestive system. CBD vape cartridges and vape concentrates are the most effective route of CBD administration since it absorbs in the lungs. Individuals with bipolar disorder should consider vaping CBD since it provides quick symptomatic comfort and precise dosage.

CBD Edibles

Several CBD products come in different flavorful forms. CBD edibles such as gummies, candies, coffee pods, and many other things provide a delicious way to take CBD. But, the CBD edibles have to go through the digestive tract to enter the bloodstream; the onset of CBD effects takes time.

What is the Ideal Dosage of CBD Oil for Bipolar Disorder?

Since CBD is not regulated yet, there is no specified CBD dosage for bipolar disorder. It can take time to get the perfect CBD dosage yourself. Since everyone reacts uniquely to this substance, it asks for a trial and error approach for finding the appropriate dosage.

It’s preferable, to begin with, a modest dose and ramp up it unless you notice a difference in your bipolar conditions. Many patients with bipolar disorder might not see any advantages unless they start taking some high potency CBD medications. The best approach to determine your ideal dosage is to put it to trial.

Begin by consuming 10 mg a couple of times each day for a week to see how it affects your condition. It’s a bright idea to maintain a usage record in which you can track what you experience after every administration and if or not it helps you get better with your condition.

If nothing improves after that interval, restart the treatment by adding 10 mg daily. You may seal in your dosages when you’ve found the perfect balance.

Does CBD Have Side Effects?

CBD does not have any fatal adverse effects when treating bipolar illness. Scientists and medical experts agree that CBD is a harmless and well-tolerated substance. It is worth noting that the CBD doses tested in individuals varied from 300 to 1,500 mg per day.

While consuming CBD oil for bipolar disorder, there are a few minor side effects to be aware of. Such as:

• Mouth dryness
• Appetite shifts
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Insomnia
• Upset stomach

If you plan to consume CBD for mood disorders, you should consult your therapist first. Some drugs, such as those used to treat manic depression, conflict with CBD. Lithium, for instance, may combine with CBD, resulting in lithium’s toxic effects. Moreover, a medical expert can better guide CBD oil dosage as a good mood stabilizer.

Conclusion: CBD Oil for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can impact your life with extreme mood shifts. Moreover, bipolar disorder is challenging to treat and diagnose because the underlying reasons for bipolar disorder are hard to find.

Individuals are resorting to herbal solutions for manic depression and bipolar disorder. CBD has been shown in specific trials to be a healthy and prosperous substitute to traditional medicines. Moreover, animal experiments and also early human experiments have yielded hopeful outcomes.

CBD is a safe alternative to traditional mood disorder medication. Still, you should consult your therapist before starting with CBD. Moreover, mislabeled CBD products are also abundant on the market. For that, you should find only the best CBD oil for bipolar disorder. Third-party lab results and Certificat of Analysis prove the CBD product’s authentication.