CBD for panic attacks: How cannabidiol can help managing them

Panic disorders are often genetically determined. However, traumatic events also trigger anxiety disorders and panic attacks. In addition, lifestyle habits such as stress, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition can be determining factors. Affected individuals live with a sense of insecurity, which often leads to permanent anxiety.

Researchers are trying to determine which regions in the brain are active when we experience fear and anxiety. The amygdala, a complex brain structure, is suspected of favoring the development of anxiety disorders when excessively stimulated. Furthermore, physical causes such as an injury or medical condition are responsible for panic attacks.

Examples of physical causes are:

• Withdrawal symptoms from drugs
• Excessive use of stimulants such as caffeine, cocaine, taurine, or methamphetamine
• Mitral valve prolapse (a heart disease that affects at least one heart valve, which doesn't close properly)

Usually, panic attacks manifest with intense episodes. Those who experience them feel unsafe and vulnerable and are gripped by irrational fear. CBD, or cannabidiol, has been now for several years to reduce anxiety. CBD is a natural compound and seems to be more effective than many conventional medications.

When people talk about panic disorders, they usually refer to recurrent panic attacks that occur several times a month. Diagnosing panic attacks can be challenging because the same symptoms accompany other conditions.

The first step is to determine whether the attacks have a physiological cause. This happens through a clinical examination and patient interview. If physical causes can be ruled out, a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist takes care of further investigations. These are usually based on the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Panic attacks can be very distressing and have a lasting impact on the quality of life. Often they are treated with conventional drugs such as benzodiazepines. However, these are often accompanied by serious side effects and can cause dependence. An increasingly popular and promising alternative is cannabidiol (CBD).

Below, we explain the benefits of CBD compared to conventional medications:

No severe side effects

One big drawback of traditional medications used to treat panic disorders is that they are often associated with severe side effects. Benzodiazepines can lead to memory problems, mobility impairment, and reduced reaction time, among other things. In addition, the body metabolizes them very slowly. By contrast, no severe side effects are known to accompany the use of CBD. This active ingredient is considered to be extremely safe and well tolerated and is metabolized by the body very quickly. Unlike conventional medications, CBD is not addictive on a psychological or physical level.

Improves sleep quality

There is evidence that CBD can positively influence all sleep phases. Insomnia or insufficient sleep may not be the trigger for panic attacks. However, they can very well fuel a spiral of stress, anxiety, and panic. Accordingly, healthy sleep is a fundamental prerequisite for psychological balance.

Natural alternative

CBD is a plant compound extracted from Cannabis Sativa. Generally, CBD products are free of chemical additives of any kind. However, it is important to find trustworthy manufacturers who do not add anything synthetic to the precious active ingredients of the hemp plant.

When it comes to taking CBD for panic attacks, hemp oil is the most popular product. CBD oil is taken orally using a dropper. While dropping the oil under your tongue, it is best to stand in front of a mirror. After you reach the desired number of drops, keep the CBD oil in your mouth for about one minute before swallowing it. If you choose CBD oil, you'll get maximum flexibility with regard to dosage. No other CBD product allows dosing with such precision.

CBD capsules are an alternative to the oil. To take them, you need just a sip of water, so they are optimal if you're traveling. However, they do not allow for individual dosage, and it takes up to an hour before the effect of CBD starts to kick in. CBD crystals are the purest form of cannabidiol available.

Like CBD oil, you place the white powder under your tongue and let it melt. Since they are highly concentrated, we recommend them to those who have experience with cannabinoids.