May 9th, 2020
Photo credit: historycollection.co
To treat something you must first understand it...
Schizophrenia is a serious disorder that affects the brain. People usually start noticing symptoms between age 16 and 30. These symptoms can range from minor to severe; they can include delusions or false beliefs not based on reality, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things), disorganised thinking and speech, mode alteration such as anxiety, anger, feeling detached or loss of interest or pleasure from activities. They can also include abnormal motor behaviour which can be displayed as unpredictable agitation or childlike silliness. It can reduce the ability to function normally or for people to show emotions often making the person seem withdrawn or depressed. It can also affect the thought processes making it difficult to make decisions, use information or pay attention.
Research shows that a cause of schizophrenia is undetermined, your environment, brain chemistry and genes may be contributing factors. In all cases current treatment is by antipsychotic medication. As with all medication there will be a process to find which one will work for the patient and there are many undesired side effects which often lead to patient resistance to taking the medications and them asking for another alternative to be found.
Could cannabis be the answer?
Firstly let's discuss cannabis ….. it has previously been linked to the condition when being used excessively and recreationally. I know what you're thinking … then why would it be a solution?
The plant itself contains many properties which are called cannabinoids, smoking recreationally does not mean that they will treat conditions. Within the medicinal cannabis industry they have products that are carefully produced to include the cannabinoids of choice; THC, CBD or a combination so that they can be used for specific purposes and conditions. So the important difference between recreational and medicinal cannabis is that the intake can be carefully monitored by professionals. It’s important to remember this is a highly regulated industry and all research and study is being completed to ensure success before being offered to patients.
For this condition scientists believe that cannabidiol (CBD) may be the future medication for people suffering with schizophrenia. CBD offers natural antipsychotic effects ; when taken the oil activates the body's natural CB2 receptors found within the endocannabinoid system that we all have in our bodies. Using CBD oil can help to regulate the immune system and reduce the psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
Recent studies show CBD offers relief of cognitive symptoms that are associated with the condition, it can reduce social withdrawal, restore working memory and recognition back to normal levels. The best part is that some symptoms that antipsychotic medication cannot treat CBD can. The side effects can also be more manageable than those of prescription drugs. The oil doesn't alter food intake or body weight which can be a huge bonus to patients.
Some individuals will react differently to the use of CBD oil some patients may have increased cannabinoids in their bodies and the use of a drug that stimulates more may be counterproductive, others who have a decreased level will greatly benefit from this. As with all conditions, it is important that this is discussed with professionals and a treatment plan is in place for undertaking medication changes.
It is exciting to see that for sufferers of schizophrenia help is on the way. Watch this space!
(To learn more on the endocannabinoid system see our other articles)
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