Mixing CBD With Bipolar Disorder—Are You Safe?

About 1.3 million people in the UK are said to have bipolar disorder (BD). The disease used to be known as manic depression, and, as the name suggests, it is a mental disorder that causes a person to swing between extreme moods from emotional highs (mania) to depression.

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Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

During these low periods, individuals tend to feel hopeless and have no interest in any hobbies or activities, even the ones they used to love. This phase is often associated with suicidal thoughts.

During manic episodes, they tend to be quite energetic and euphoric, but they may lose touch with reality.

How CBD May Help With Bipolar Disorder

Inflammation is associated with mood disorders of BD. In both the manic, as well as, depressive phases of BD, elevated levels of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines have been noted. The markers tend to normalize once individuals return to their neutral mood phase (1).

CBD products have been found to have an immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effect and may help manage BD symptoms. Treatment using CBD also shows promising results for managing hypomania in BD patients (2).

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Should You Use CBD for Bipolar Disorder?

Many BD patients are given a cocktail of drugs such as sleeping tablets, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and so on, which can lead to chemical dependence that leaves them in a zombie-like state. CBD may offer an alternative therapy with a lower risk of side effects and without the risk of addiction, though you should be wary of negative interactions between CBD and pharmaceutical medication.

While the results are promising, CBD is best taken under the guidance of a qualified doctor to avoid worsening symptoms. Everyone is different, and the way your mind and body respond to CBD is not guaranteed.

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