Dr. Sabiha Alam Choudhury is currently working as the Head of Department of Psychology and Counselling at School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Assam Don Bosco University, Tapesia, India.

Her research areas are Positive Psychology, Counselling & Psychotherapy, and Marriage and Family Counselling.

Email: sabiha.choudhury[at]dbuniversity.ac.in , sabihachoudhury9[at]gmail.com

LinkedIn

How CBD May Help Women Improve Their Mental Health

CBD anxiety woman

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), an estimated 264 million people around the world are currently experiencing an anxiety disorder. The ADAA also notes that women are twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety issue in their lifetime. In 2019, the prevalence of anxiety issues among females was 23.4% compared to 14.3% for males. Despite these chilling statistics, an increasing number of women are reporting that regular use of cannabidiol (CBD) has resulted in their experiencing better mental health.

CBD is an all natural substance that is derived from cannabis plants such as hemp and marijuana. While cannabis plants are often depicted in a negative light due to the fact that they can be misused, the reality is many medical experts are beginning to acknowledge the physical and mental health benefits of cannabis. For example, a number of animal studies show that subjects that are given CBD show less stress, slower heart rate, and lower behavioral signs of anxiety. While more research is necessary before CBD can be classified as an effective anxiety treatment for humans, many people have shared personal experiences of how CBD has helped them manage their anxiety symptoms.

Interestingly, CBD may also be able to help women with other physical mental health conditions. CBD has been reported to assist women with issues such as:

  • Depression
  • Epilepsy
  • Insomnia
  • Chronic pain

While it may be tempting to think of CBD and other cannabis-derived products as treatments for younger people, there is evidence that CBD may be beneficial for older women. Consider the following:

Symptoms of menopause and menopause-induced osteoporosis may be treated with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). However, recent research on ERT shows that this form of treatment may increase the  risk of dementia in women aged 65 to 79. One study conducted by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center indicates that women in this age group who underwent hormone replacement therapy showed reductions in global cognition, working memory, and executive functioning.

While there is no known cure for dementia, some studies suggest cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as CBD oil may help to reduce symptoms such as agitation and aggression. There is also evidence that phytocannabinoids may have neuroprotective benefits and help prevent brain damage associated with issues such as brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

These days, more women are choosing to use cannabis as a natural alternative to prescription medications. One major reason for this is the many negative side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Some women with neuropathic pain have found relief by using cannabis products such as Blue Moon Hemp and Plain Jane CBD. While more clinical evidence is definitely needed, the therapeutic effects of cannabis and CBD are becoming clearer with each passing day.

 

TwitterPinterestShare



View more here.
Credit- What is Psychology (WIP). Published by- Dr. Sabiha : www.drsabiha.blogspot.com