Can CBD Help Treat Paranoid Schizophrenia?
Paranoid schizophrenia is a form of schizophrenia characterized by intense paranoia. Its symptoms can be interpersonally debilitating and difficult to manage. It is often treated with both counseling and medication — and when needed — hospitalization. There is some evidence that CBD can reduce psychosis associated with schizophrenia, but more research is needed to fully understand the link.
Schizophrenia tends to develop in adolescence or early adulthood, and can persist for a lifetime. What causes paranoid schizophrenia is unclear, but there are likely both genetic and environmental factors. Finding effective ways to manage the condition is essential to living with schizophrenia.
How Is Paranoid Schizophrenia Treated?
In general, paranoid schizophrenia is best treated with a combination of counseling and — if necessary — medication. Counseling with a qualified mental health professional can help calm individuals with paranoid schizophrenia, and reduce paranoid delusions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can help individuals with the condition more effectively identify delusions.
In many cases, anti-psychotic medications may be necessary. Many medications do have strong side effects, including weight gain. For particularly severe episodes of paranoia, hospitalization is sometimes necessary.
Can CBD Help Treat Paranoid Schizophrenia?
There is compelling evidence that CBD exhibits anti-psychotic properties and may have success in helping people with schizophrenia, especially in the early stages of developing the disorder. There is some evidence of a link between the cannabinoid system and paranoid schizophrenia, suggesting CBD’s possible pathway towards mitigating aspects of the condition.
While CBD is a different substance than THC, the risk of schizophrenia in heavy cannabis use has been reasonably documented, suggesting that individuals with paranoid schizophrenia should not use cannabis to attempt to treat the condition. More generally, while the evidence for CBD’s effects on schizophrenia is fairly positive, it is important to note that the amount of research conducted thus far has been limited, and individual responses to CBD may vary.
Individuals should not use CBD to treat paranoid schizophrenia unless directed to do so by a medical professional, likely in combination with other forms of treatment.
