Cannabidiol or CBD has been proposed as a treatment for a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions including depression and bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and anxiety. It appears to have poly-pharmacological abilities, meaning it can interact within the endocannabinoid system as well as outside the system with various receptors, proteins, and cerebral glucose, just to name a few. Although research in this area is in its infancy, the findings appear to be promising.
What Are Neuropsychiatric Disorders?
The term neuropsychiatric is a catch-all for conditions that affect brain function, mood and emotions. It involves both neurology and psychiatry and the interplay between the nervous system and psychiatric disorders including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
These conditions are associated with a number of symptoms including apathy, depression, sleep difficulties, hallucination and delusions, psychosis and agitation and aggression. It has been demonstrated in research that low dopamine levels contribute to anxiety, alteration in mood and hyperactivity. CBD appears to work in a variety of ways, depending upon the condition.
CBD: Depression & Anxiety
CBD initiates a complex cascade of biological events in the body and brain and has been shown in preclinical studies to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein which is a biomarker for depression and anxiety. BDNF is also associated with serotonergic transmission and the development of serotonergic neurons, key players in depression and anxiety. CBD also binds with GABA receptors resulting in anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects.
CBD & Psychosis
Another example of CBD’s ability to interact with multiple receptors in the body is illustrated by its activation of PPAR-y, a nuclear receptor protein that regulates expression of genes. By boosting Anandamide or AEA (a major endocannabinoid receptor) which binds with PPAR-y, CBD appears to have antipsychotic effects.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Research continues to demonstrate CBD’s ability to exert poly-pharmacological effects with a variety of targets within and outside of the endocannabinoid system. This is not only interesting but sharply challenges the one-medicine-for-one-condition line of thinking. Put differently, can CBD be such a viable treatment for a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders and well as many others? More time and research will hopefully answer this question.