Can CBD Help to Manage OCD?

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is a mental illness that causes repeated thoughts. Also, people with OCD may have the urge to do things over and over. About two to three percent of the world’s total population suffers from OCD. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SRIs are the only medication for OCD that have been approved by the FDA. SRIs are effective in reducing the symptoms of most OCD patients. However, some may not experience a significant reduction in their symptoms.

There are many anecdotal claims that Cannabidiol (CBD) products are effective in relieving OCD symptoms to an extent. Many studies are progressing for exploring the potential of cannabidiol for treating symptoms. Even though research is in its early stages, we can expect promising results.

In this article, we are discussing the potential of CBD in treating this disorder and its symptoms.

CBD For OCD Symptoms

Studies were conducted for finding the effectiveness of cannabidiol for OCD patients. Currently, a lot of studies are progressing and the results are looking promising.

In a study which was conducted in 2020, a group of 87 OCD patients was included for studying the effect of CBD on OCD symptoms. The result of this study showed that about 60% of the OCD patients had reduced compulsions and 49% had a reduction in intrusive thoughts. More than 50% of them also reported reduced anxiety.

Many researchers are pointing out that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body is responsible for repetitive behaviors and anxiety in OCD patients. Moreover, the ECS has many receptors which are responsible for regulating appetite, sleep, mood, and many other bodily functions. According to research, CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS to provide us with the health benefits it comes with. So, in the future, we may modify CBD in such a way that it can directly reduce the symptoms of this disorder.

Dosage Of CBD

FDA hasn’t approved any CBD-based medicines for OCD. So, it is difficult to suggest you a standard dosage.

By reviewing various studies in 2015, researchers found that taking 300 to 600 mg of CBD orally can reduce anxiety symptoms. This dosage may also help patients, but there should be more research to verify this data.

If you are planning to use CBD for OCD symptoms, the first thing you have to do is consult your doctor and seek his approval. Start with a small dose (less than 40 mg per day) and assess how your body responds after. Then you can increase or decrease the dose.