Anxiety Disorders and Medicinal Cannabis

By: Chronic Therapy Team

Anxiety is a prevalent issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual's daily life and overall well-being. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential use of cannabis medications, specifically cannabidiol (CBD) oil, as a treatment for anxiety. This article will explore anxiety, its causes and symptoms, as well as the use of cannabis medications as potential treatments.


  1. What is Anxiety?
  2. Causes of Anxiety
  3. How Common Is Anxiety in Australia?
  4. Symptoms of Anxiety
  5. Tips for Managing Anxiety
  6. Is Anxiety a Disability in Australia?
  7. Treatments for Anxiety
  8. CBD Oil & Anxiety Disorders
  9. Medical Cannabis and Anxiety
  10. How to Support Someone With Anxiety
  11. Conclusion

1. What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress and is characterised by feelings of worry, fear, or uneasiness. It is a normal emotion that can help people cope with difficult situations and alert them to potential dangers. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, or irrational, it can interfere with daily life and lead to anxiety disorders (1).

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among others (2). These disorders can manifest in different ways and have various symptoms, but all involve excessive worry and fear that negatively impact everyday life.


2. Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the most common risk factors include:

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Family history: Individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders are more likely to develop them (3).

Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as being shy or having low self-esteem, can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder (4).

Traumatic events: Experiencing traumatic events, such as accidents, abuse, or natural disasters, can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders (5).

Chronic medical conditions: Living with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis, can increase the risk of anxiety (6).

Substance use: The use of drugs, alcohol, or medications can exacerbate or trigger anxiety symptoms (7).


3. How Common Is Anxiety in Australia?

Anxiety is a common mental health issue in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 14% of Australians (or 1 in 7 people) experienced an anxiety disorder in a 12-month period (8). Furthermore, anxiety disorders are more common among women, with 17.9% of females experiencing anxiety compared to 10.8% of males (8).


4. Symptoms of Anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety can vary depending on the specific anxiety disorder but may include:

  • Excessive worry or fear
  • Feeling restless or on edge
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fear of losing control or going crazy
  • Avoidance of social situations (in the case of social anxiety disorder)
  • Panic attacks (in the case of panic disorder)

5. Tips for Managing Anxiety

There are several strategies that individuals with anxiety can use to help manage their symptoms:

Seek professional help: Consulting with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist, can provide guidance and support for individuals with anxiety disorders.

Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation (9).

Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and can help reduce anxiety (10).

Maintain a healthy lifestyle:Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can contribute to better mental health and reduced anxiety symptoms.

Develop a strong support network: Connecting with friends, family members, or support groups can provide emotional support and help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Learn stress management techniques: Developing coping strategies to manage stress, such as setting realistic goals, problem-solving, and prioritising tasks, can help minimise anxiety symptoms.

Avoid excessive exposure to news or social media: Reducing exposure to negative or triggering content can help prevent anxiety from becoming overwhelming.


6. Is Anxiety a Disability in Australia?

In Australia, anxiety disorders can be considered a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 if they significantly impact an individual's ability to function in daily life, work, or education (11). This means that individuals with anxiety disorders may be entitled to certain protections and accommodations to ensure they have equal opportunities and access to services.


7. Treatments for Anxiety

There are several treatment options available for individuals with anxiety disorders, including:

Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common and effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and developing healthy coping strategies (12).

Medications: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders (13). Benzodiazepines may also be prescribed for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms, but they are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence (14).

Lifestyle changes: As mentioned earlier, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and practising relaxation techniques can help improve mental health and reduce anxiety symptoms.

Support groups: Joining a support group can provide a safe space for individuals with anxiety disorders to share their experiences and learn from others who have similar struggles.


8. CBD Oil & Anxiety Disorders

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a natural compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a "high" or intoxicating effect. Recent research has suggested that CBD may have potential therapeutic benefits for various health conditions, including anxiety disorders (15).

Preclinical evidence from animal studies has demonstrated that CBD has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, which may be mediated through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and the serotonin system (16). Human studies have also shown promising results. In a simulated public speaking test, a single dose of CBD was found to reduce anxiety and cognitive impairment in individuals with social anxiety disorder (17).

A systematic review of clinical studies on the use of CBD for anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, found that CBD may have potential therapeutic benefits for these conditions (18). However, the authors noted that more high-quality, large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.


9. Medical Cannabis and Anxiety

Medical cannabis refers to the use of the whole Cannabis sativa plant or its extracts to treat various health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Some studies have suggested that medical cannabis, particularly strains with a higher CBD to THC ratio, may help alleviate anxiety symptoms (19).

However, it is important to note that the use of medical cannabis for anxiety remains a controversial topic. Some studies have indicated that cannabis use may actually worsen anxiety symptoms or contribute to the development of anxiety disorders, particularly in individuals who are predisposed to mental health issues (20). This may be due to the psychoactive effects of THC, which can cause feelings of paranoia or increased anxiety in some individuals.

As a result, further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis for the treatment of anxiety disorders. It is crucial for individuals considering medical cannabis as a treatment option to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential risks and benefits.


10. How to Support Someone With Anxiety

Supporting a loved one with anxiety can be challenging, but there are several ways you can help:

Educate yourself: Learn about anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and available treatments to better understand what your loved one is experiencing.

Be patient and understanding: Listen to your loved one's concerns without judgment, and try to empathise with their feelings.

Encourage professional help: Encourage your loved one to seek help from a mental health professional if they have not already done so.

Offer practical support: Help your loved one identify and implement coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, or stress management.

Be a source of emotional support: Offer reassurance and encouragement, and be available to listen when your loved one wants to talk about their feelings or concerns.

Avoid minimising their anxiety: Do not dismiss or downplay your loved one's anxiety. Instead, validate their feelings and acknowledge the difficulties they are facing.

Set healthy boundaries: While it is essential to be supportive, it is also crucial to maintain your own well-being. Set boundaries to ensure you are not becoming overwhelmed or enabling unhealthy behaviours.

Encourage social interaction: Help your loved one maintain connections with friends, family, or support groups to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Be patient with progress: Remember that recovery from an anxiety disorder takes time and may involve setbacks. Be patient and continue to offer support throughout the process.


11. Conclusion

Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life and overall well-being. While there are several treatment options available, including therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes, there is growing interest in the potential use of cannabis medications, such as CBD oil and medical cannabis, as alternative treatments for anxiety disorders.

While some research has shown promising results regarding the use of CBD oil for anxiety, more high-quality, large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings. The use of medical cannabis for anxiety remains a controversial topic, with some evidence suggesting it may worsen anxiety symptoms in certain individuals. As such, individuals considering cannabis medications for anxiety should consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

We recommend booking an initial consultation with a Chronic Therapy doctor if you want to find out more and have them assess your suitability for cannabis medications. Several individual factors would determine if it would be a safe and effective treatment for you.


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References

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