Conditions
Depression
Conditions
Depression
Description
Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious medical illness that Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Depression can lead to emotional and physical problems and can decrease the ability to function.
Estimates of 5-10% of all people suffer with depression, and rates are highest for young adults and women. Depression is a risk factor for suicide and threats must be taken seriously. Treatment includes pharmaceuticals and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Symptoms
- Persistent sadness
- Lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities
- Disturbed sleep and appetite
- Tiredness and poor concentration are common
- Constricting mood
- Poor activity drive
- Fatigue
- Co-morbidity with anxiety
- Mood swings (manic/depressive)
- Hopelessness (suicidal)
How Cannabis Can Help
CB1 activation is critical for mental health, and the ability to feel good, healthy, motivated, not negative. CB1 receptors in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus struggle when there are deficiencies in Anandamide. CB1 activation by Anandamide and THC and soothes pain, stimulates joy, and boosts neurotransmitter signaling for dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, opioid, and reward pathways.
CB2 activation clears neuroinflammation, boosted by CBD, CBG.
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Sources
- World Health Organization, Depression
- Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, The Psychiatric Side-Effects of Rimonabant
- Hawaiian Ethos, Depression and Cannabis
- McLaughlin RJ, Gobbi G. Cannabinoids and emotionality: a neuroanatomical perspective. Neuroscience. 2012 Mar 1;204:134-44. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.07.052. Epub 2011 Jul 27. PMID: 21827834