What do studies say about using CBD for depressive symptoms?

¿Qué dicen los estudios sobre el uso del CBD para los síntomas depresivos?

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder, meaning it affects the emotional and psychological state and is reflected in social and professional functioning, being the main cause of disability worldwide. Depression is an illness that affects 5% of the adult population but can occur at any age, negatively interfering with a person's quality of life, both in personal, family, work and social spheres. In its most severe form it can even lead to suicide. 1-2-3

Symptoms of depression

Feelings of sadness and pessimism, lack of hope
Loss of interest and feeling of pleasure in doing things
Lack of mental energy and cognitive problems (attention, memory, concentration)
Feelings of anguish, guilt and helplessness
Irritability, frustration, anxiety
Sleep and rest problems or excessive sleep
Changes in appetite and eating habits (weight gain or loss)
Lack of physical energy, fatigue and inactivity
Physical discomfort of psychological origin

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Types of depression

The most common types are mainly characterized by duration:

Major depression : duration of at least 2 weeks
Persistent depressive disorder : a depressive state of 2 years duration with fluctuating symptoms

There are other forms related to other factors:

Major depression with psychotic symptoms
Anxiety-depressive disorder : It is classified as an anxiety disorder with a marked depressive component.
Postpartum depression : characterized by the symptoms and duration of major depression
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder : depressive symptoms related to the premenstrual period
Seasonal affective disorder : depressive symptoms related to the seasons, usually the colder ones

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Causes and Treatment of Depression

Genetic, biological, psychological, environmental and sociocultural factors may be involved. In many cases, depression is triggered as a result of a traumatic event that generates an emotional impact and/or physical consequences . At the brain level, depression is related to low levels of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline , the neurotransmitters that drug treatment stimulates through antidepressants. Although drugs can help at the symptomatic level, treatment involves different psychological therapy strategies. 3-4

Relationship with the Endocannabinoid System

At the physiological level, the ECS interacts with different neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This action is mainly due to the CB1 receptors, present mainly in the Central Nervous System and the 5HT1a, serotonin receptors. (5) It has been hypothesized, as occurs in other diseases, that an imbalance of the Endocannabinoid System may give rise to the pathophysiological mechanisms of depression. For this reason, thanks to a treatment with phytocannabinoids it is possible to modulate the levels of the aforementioned neurotransmitters , improving the physical and psychological symptoms of depression. (6) Although the use of THC could be positive in some cases in which consumption is controlled and supervised by a professional, in most cases psychoactivity could lead to a worsening of symptoms, with THC abuse being a comorbidity factor for depression. (7)(8)(9) CBD regulates sleep, appetite and mood