Can CBD Alleviate Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Do you or someone you know suffer from schizophrenia? CBD can benefit those with schizophrenia because of its neuroprotective traits.
That’s because CBD may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia by stabilizing disrupted NMDA receptors in the brain.
What are NMDA Receptors?
NMDA receptors are neurotransmitter receptors that are located in the post-synaptic membrane of a neuron. They are proteins embedded in the membrane of nerve cells that receive signals across the synapse from a previous nerve cell.
They are involved in signal transduction and control the opening and closing of ion channels. They are believed to play an important role in learning and memory formation.
A double-blind controlled clinical trial was performed by Dr. F.M. Leweke comparing CBD with a prescription antipsychotic called amisulpride.
The trial tested the different treatments on 42 participants with acute paranoid schizophrenia. Both treatments led to a significant decrease in psychotic symptoms.
However, CBD had no negative side effects, whereas the amisulpride had several.
How else can CBD help?
CBD promotes Homeostasis within the body, which can help someone suffering from schizophrenia find themselves living in the present moment. This can help quiet “voices” or other mental hallucinations experienced from schizophrenia, allowing the person to live a more qualitative life.
Study
- Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Cannabis Drug Shows Promise in Treating Schizophrenia
- CBD as an antipsychotic drug
- Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for psychosis
- Medical use of cannabis. CBD: A new light for schizophrenia?
- A critical review of the antipsychotic effects of CBD: 30 years of a translational investigation
- Peripheral endocannabinoid system dysregulation in first-episode psychosis
- Cannabinoids and schizophrenia
- Antipsychotic-like effects of cannabidiol and rimonabant
- CBD monotherapy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia
- Cannabis with high CBD content is associated with fewer psychotic experiences
- Marijuana compound treats schizophrenia with few side effects: Clinical trial
- Clearing the smoke: what do we know about adolescent cannabis use and schizophrenia?
- Neuronal and molecular effects of cannabidiol on the mesolimbic dopamine system: Implications for novel schizophrenia treatments
- Improved Social Interaction, Recognition and Working Memory with CBD Treatment in a Prenatal Infection Rat Model.