CBD and depression: what we know
Depression is an illness that affects 15-20 % of the population during their lifetime. Symptoms are great sadness, fatigue, anxiety, and a feeling of constant suffering. The negative effects on professional and social life are sometimes extremely important for those who are ill. Depression is an illness that can be treated with psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. A seasonal form of the illness is covered in our page on CBD and seasonal affective disorder.
The different forms of depression
Depression is an illness that can take many forms :
- A major depressive state : this state is characterized by great sadness that lasts at least two weeks. The effects of the illness have a resounding impact on the life of the sick person.
- Post-partum depression : this illness affects approximately 15 % of women who have just given birth. It is a profound depression, mixed with anxiety, stress, and mood disorders. The first symptoms are felt during the first month after giving birth. Without care, this type of depression can last several months.
- Seasonal depression : it occurs at the arrival of autumn or winter with the decrease in brightness and the shortening of the days. The effects are a decrease in energy and low morale. It is estimated to affect a few percent of the population in Europe, more often women.
Symptoms
Depression causes several manifestations in the sick person, they affect both body and mind.
The most common physical symptoms :
- Great fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Intellectual difficulty (slowing down, loss of concentration, difficulty remembering, etc.)
- Pain (migraines, digestive problems, etc.)
- Appetite disorders, with possible weight variation
Most common psychological symptoms
- Deep sadness, with anxiety and stress
- A disinterest in activities that are usually pleasurable.
- A devaluation, and a feeling of guilt
- Suicidal thoughts
When to see a doctor
If you experience one or more of these manifestations, we recommend that you consult your doctor promptly. The earlier depression is treated, the better the chances of recovery. Your family doctor or another specialist will be able to determine whether you are suffering from depression or another disorder that may cause similar manifestations.
Treatment
Depression is treatable, and recovery is possible. A combined treatment, psychotherapy and antidepressant medication, often gives good results.
- Psychotherapies: talking therapies that help the sick person express themselves in order to identify the causes of depression. The relationship between the patient and the therapist is based on trust, without fear of judgment or criticism, speech is free.
- Antidepressant drugs : their mission is to reduce the symptoms and their consequences, but also to prevent possible relapses. The effectiveness of antidepressants is not immediate, generally 2 to 4 weeks are necessary before observing an improvement in the symptoms of depression.
CBD and depression
CBD (cannabidiol) is a molecule belonging to the family of cannabinoids found in cannabis. Cannabis as a plant consists of three subspecies:
- Cannabis Sativa, also called industrial hemp : very rich in CBD (cannabidiol) and very poor in THC (less than 0.3%).
- Cannabis Indica : very poor in CBD, and very rich in THC
- Cannabis Ruderalis : low in CBD, and low in THC.
THC is also a cannabinoid, but it is illegal because it causes powerful psychotropic effects. CBD, unlike THC, has no psychotropic effect and is not classified as a narcotic in France. Note that CBD foods (oils to swallow, capsules, chewing gum) are not authorised in the EU. In recent years, CBD has been the subject of many studies, mostly preclinical. These studies cover many areas of health such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and chronic pain, but also anxiety, stress and depression.
- In 2015, a study from the University of Cantabria in Spain, carried out on mice, suggested a possible rapid antidepressant-like effect of CBD, linked to signalling pathways in the cerebral cortex. (reaction to serotonin and glutamate)
- In 2016, an Israeli study, also on animals, reported antidepressant-like properties.
These preclinical results do not allow any conclusion for humans. CBD is not a medicine and does not replace the treatment of depression: talk to your doctor. If you have suicidal thoughts, call 3114, the French national suicide prevention line, free and available 24 hours a day.
