CBD: A Solution for Social Anxiety?

At home and on social media, you seem like a rock star. But in public, it’s the complete opposite. It seems like you shy away from eye contact and avoid interactions for fear of being judged or intimidated by the stares of others. Do you know what this is? It could be social anxiety. It’s hard to take that first step when you’re trembling at the thought of meeting new people. Once it starts, it often becomes a daily obstacle that’s hard to overcome. But how can you get rid of it? Increasingly studied by scientists, CBD appears to be a natural alternative for treating this anxiety. But how?

In this article, we'll explore how CBD might be a solution for social anxiety.

Do you feel very nervous when you meet new people? Or do you get anxious thinking about all the things that could go wrong? Do you nervously blurt out whatever comes to mind, just to fill in the gaps in the conversation? Do you go over everything you did or said afterward and feel embarrassed about it? If so, then you may be suffering from social anxiety.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a phobia that typically develops relatively early in a person’s life. It is the third most common mental health condition worldwide. It affects a large portion of the French population at some point in their lives. Furthermore, it is often considered very distressing, as it affects not only their social lives but also their personal and professional development. Such anxiety can be frightening, but it can certainly be managed. There are ways to overcome it, and CBD has proven to be a very good natural alternative.

Social Anxiety—We’ve all experienced it at some point in our lives. So here’s how to ease that feeling. 

Photo credit: Washingtonian

In fact, the problem with social anxiety is that it keeps you from the experiences you truly want to have. This can sometimes lead to long-term isolation and loneliness, which, according to researchers, can shorten life expectancy.

When looking for ways to better manage anxiety, prescription medications are often the first treatment option. However, they frequently have unwanted side effects and have not proven effective for some patients. As a result, most people look for natural alternatives, and some researchers suggest that CBD could be one such option. It’s important to treat the symptoms rather than the causes, and CBD is one way to apply this approach.

Before exploring the effects of CBD on anxiety, we must first understand what CBD is. Known as cannabidiol, it is one of the many cannabinoids found in hemp. It is a non-psychoactive compound that may help relieve anxiety and other conditions.

Anxiety and its cousin, stress, are natural reactions and, to a certain extent, desirable. Stress causes a number of changes, including restlessness, fatigue, tension, an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, a tightness in the chest, and excessive sweating.

To understand the relationship between CBD and anxiety, we need to look at serotonin. It is a neurotransmitter, also known as the “happiness hormone.” It directly influences our mood and overall well-being. Thus, when we experience anxiety, serotonin levels in the body tend to decrease.

As a result, CBD use is thought to activate these 5-HT1A receptors, leading to a sense of well-being, a positive effect on mood, and a reduction in anxiety. This molecule is believed to have an inhibitory effect on the reuptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine. Consequently, as levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine increase, feelings of well-being are greatly enhanced. All of this helps to significantly reduce anxiety.

Even though CBD’s effect on anxiety is temporary, it may have a secondary effect on hippocampal neurogenesis. This is the part of the brain that regulates emotions. We’re talking here about the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus. CB1 receptors interact with nerve cells that produce the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Consequently, taking cannabidiol could increase neurogenesis and reduce the long-term symptoms of anxiety and depression. By activating CB1 receptors and inhibiting the release of glutamate by neurons, it would thus reduce neuronal excitability.

It is important to understand that our bodies are largely unable to distinguish between a physical threat and a psychological one. The presence of a threat can trigger anxiety, and in response, the body undergoes the same inflammatory process. Thus, regardless of its nature, this threat stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in preparation for an attack against the triggering agent.

As a result, TRPV1 receptors (plurimodal nociceptive receptors) can influence the body’s response to pain caused by inflammation and irritation. In fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes, the body is hypersensitive to stimuli. This leads to abnormal pain responses and increased anxiety.Activation of TRPV1 receptors by CBD could therefore reduce the pain and anxiety associated with inflammation.

Several studies have examined the use of cannabidiol to relieve anxiety, with very promising results. Here are a few of them:

• A 2010 study showed that CBD may reduce symptoms in patients with social anxiety disorder. Brain scans of the participants revealed changes in blood flow in areas of the brain closely associated with anxiety. In this study, cannabidiol not only improved the participants’ overall mood but also altered the brain’s response to anxiety.
• Another Brazilian study from 2011 found that cannabidiol may reduce social anxiety, particularly the fear of public speaking.
• A 2013 British study on conditioned anxiety involving 48 volunteers found that participants who were given CBD were better able to get off the subway.
• A 2014 study found that CBD oil has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in animal models.
• Finally, a 2015 study found that CBD oil may be promising for treating various forms of anxiety. These include: social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study cautions, however, that data on the long-term use of CBD are limited and that more research is needed to prove its effectiveness.

Taken together, these studies show that CBD's effects on anxiety could provide relief for all forms of anxiety and that it may also be effective in treating mild to moderate depression.

According to the studies mentioned above, it appears that CBD oils are the most effective cannabidiol-based product for reducing social anxiety. When taken sublingually, they have a rapid effect on metabolism because they are immediately absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth. Plus, you can take them with you wherever you go. But you still need to know how to dose them, right? Of course!

The amount of CBD to use for social anxiety depends on several factors, such as body weight, personal tolerance, the severity of the anxiety, and the product’s concentration. If you’ve never used CBD oil before, it’s a good idea to start with a small dose. You can then gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect.

À lire : quelles sont les contre-indications au CBD ?

Note: It is important to note that, unlike THC, CBD is not addictive, has no psychoactive effects, and does not cause any increased intoxication. Feel free to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Studies have shown that CBD may have a positive effect on people with social anxiety. By improving mood and promoting a sense of calm, this compound found in hemp may help alleviate some of the symptoms that can lead to social anxiety. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce the symptoms of social anxiety, a CBD supplement may be a good addition to your daily routine.

It’s important to note that CBD is not a medication. So if you suffer from severe anxiety, consult your doctor.