A fairly common anxiety disorder that is characterized by a sudden episode of intense fear that is associated with a variety of physiological reactions including rapid heartbeat, sweating and shortness of breath is known as a panic attack. Annually, up to 11% of the population in the United States experience a panic attack. While prescription medications including anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications may reduce frequency and intensity, they generally have side effects which can be either short- or long-term. A natural remedy that may be used as an adjunct to these medications or as a stand-alone, is CBD. This short article explains why.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Panic Disorder is one type of anxiety disorder listed in the DSM 5 along with Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia), Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and others. All of these are categorized as neuropsychiatric disorders meaning that there is a neurological or physiological component associated with behavioral outcomes, like panic. Each disorder is characterized by excessive fear, restlessness, worry, and emotional discomfort.
Neurobiology of Anxiety
At the neurobiological level, alterations in the limbic system, which is associated with emotion, behavior and long-term memory, may be imbalanced or altered for some reason. The amygdala, which assesses the emotional significance of factors in the immediate environment, may also be involved with anxiety and panic. Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly in serotonin and norepinephrine may also be implicated in the neurobiology of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks.
Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks
While some symptoms of all anxiety disorders may overlap, there are some that are more unique to panic attacks than others. Some of the emotional symptoms include:
- The feeling of losing control or dying
- Experiencing a sense of impending doom
- Feeling unreal or detached from reality
Commonly experienced physiological symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating
- Racing heart and breath
- Chills or feeling cold hot flashes
- Tight feeling in the chest
- Nauseousness
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Headache
- Numbness or tingling
- Dizziness or feeling faint
Brain Areas That Respond to CBD
Research indicates that CBD may work on reducing symptoms of anxiety and panic through its interaction in various sites of the brain. For instance, it may work biochemically in the amygdala to reduce subjective anxiety and fear. Studies have shown similar results associated with changes in the basal ganglia (nucleus accumbens, striatum and substantia nigra), cortex (cingulate, insular, prefrontal and temporal lobes), hypothalamus and hippocampus.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Panic Attacks
Anxiety is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric condition in the United States and among the few anxiety disorders listed in the DSM 5, Panic disorder may be one of if not the most fearful and uncomfortable condition among them. While there are pharmacological and life-style methods that can help better manage the symptoms, many people are turning to CBD for help. Both anecdotally and clinically, it has been discovered that CBD can help reduce both physical and emotional symptoms and help enhance quality of life.