Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a misunderstood condition.
It’s often used to describe someone who is very particular. A person who’s tidy and organised – for example, about the state of their desk or how they arrange their cutlery drawer – might even refer to themselves as “a bit OCD”. But the reality of the condition is very different.
OCD is a mental health condition characterised by intrusive thoughts and obsessive behaviour. It often accompanies anxiety and can lead to depression, as individuals feel they have no control over their life.
However, many people who suffer from OCD are now looking to CBD as an effective supplement in boosting their well-being; as part of a healthy lifestyle.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- How CBD oil for OCD works
- The correct CBD dosage to help with OCD
- If there are any side effects from taking CBD for OCD
- The best way to take CBD for OCD
In this guide:
Can you use CBD oil to treat OCD?
Let’s get one thing straight – CBD is not a treatment for OCD and can’t replace traditional OCD treatments.
That said, CBD can be a helpful in supporting the of well-being for people suffering from OCD due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
In fact, a 2019 study suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) could be a treatment target for OCD symptoms.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis (balance). While we don’t yet fully understand how CBD supports this system, many believe CBD helps inhibit an enzyme that breaks down anandamide.
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body and stimulates a sense of happiness and mental wellness.This give us hope that that CBD could potentially alleviate the intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours associated with OCD.
In addition, OCD is categorised as an anxiety illness, and CBD is known to calm the body and mind. So it’s no surprise that some sufferers are turning to CBD oil in search of relief from OCD symptoms.
However, while studies suggest that CBD may help restore balance in those with anxiety, none of these studies are specific to OCD, therefore the results are inconclusive for OCD users.
Read more: CBD oil for anxiety
How to use CBD oil for OCD
There is no right or wrong way to use CBD for OCD; it all comes down to what works best for each individual.
However, here are some considerations if you are interested in trying CBD for OCD:
1. Speak to a healthcare provider
Before incorporating CBD into your OCD treatment plan, speaking to a healthcare provider is crucial. They will evaluate your specific situation and make recommendations that are most suitable for your unique needs.
A healthcare provider will also be able to ensure that the CBD does not interact with any other medications or treatments you are undergoing.
2. Choose your consumption method
CBD is available in many forms, from sublingual drops to capsules and edibles. There is no research to suggest that one form is better than the other, so it comes down to individual preference.
Sublingual CBD has the highest bioavailability and will get to work faster than other methods of CBD. However, CBD capsules are an excellent option for those with OCD, as they can have peace of mind that they are getting the exact same dose every day.
3. Monitor your progress
Keep track of your OCD symptoms and how they respond to CBD use. This can help your healthcare provider assess whether CBD is a beneficial addition to your OCD treatment plan.
What is the right CBD dosage for OCD?
So, how much CBD should I take for OCD?
There is no ‘right’ dosage of CBD oil for OCD. The ideal dosage relies on a variety of factors – including body weight, body chemistry, the strength of CBD, and the CBD product used.
Because of this, the ideal CBD dosage varies significantly from person to person. The safest way to start is low (10-15 mg) and slowly increase your dosage over time – until you begin to feel the desired results. This allows you to monitor how it affects you.
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What is the best CBD for OCD?
When choosing a CBD product for OCD, considering the type of CBD is vital.
Look for products labelled as “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum,” as these contain a range of beneficial compounds, including other cannabinoids and terpenes, which might enhance the potential therapeutic effects of CBD.
It may also be a good idea to look for CBD that has been combined with other calming ingredients, such as ashwagandha.
Opt for CBD products that are sourced from reputable manufacturers and have been third-party lab tested. This will ensure that your CBD is free from harmful pesticides, contaminants and toxins.
Read more: CBD and ashwagandha
Are there side effects of taking CBD for OCD?
When taking any medication for mental health conditions, it’s essential to pay close attention to how it makes you feel.
CBD is not a cure-all that will fix a problem overnight. Instead, it’s better to look at CBD as one of the many components of a healthy lifestyle.
We have no reason to believe that taking CBD will make OCD symptoms worse. But without a large-scale study to confirm this, anyone exploring using CBD oil for OCD should consider that there may be some negative side effects.
However, some research suggests that CBD is considered to be generally safe, even in large doses. It’s not regarded as addictive, habit-forming, or able to produce withdrawal symptoms.
Read more: Is CBD oil addictive?
However, as we mentioned, CBD may interact with other medications. And given CBD is a relatively new addition to our shopping baskets, not all treatment options are marked with a warning.
This is why anyone taking CBD oil, or any other form of CBD, should check with a pharmacist or doctor to confirm it is safe and that it will not negatively interact with other medications.
Frequently asked questions:
Can CBD worsen OCD?
At the moment, we have no reason to believe that taking CBD will make OCD symptoms worse. But without a large-scale study to confirm this, anyone turning to this treatment option must do so with knowledge of the risk.
Why is CBD good for OCD?
CBD is good for OCD because it binds with anandamide, a neurotransmitter in the brain, to stimulate a sense of mental well-being. However, while CBD may relieve some symptoms, it is not a treatment for OCD.
Final words on CBD oil for OCD
While CBD isn’t a proven treatment for OCD, it can certainly form part of an active and healthy lifestyle, helping individuals improve their mental health and overall wellbeing.
To get the most out of CBD supplements, we recommend finding out more about CBD and consulting your doctor before getting started.
If you decide to use CBD oil for OCD symptoms, it’s important to ensure you find a high-quality product free from contaminants that can worsen symptoms.
It’s also important to remember that a balanced approach to well-being should always be taken when working to improve mental health. CBD can form a great supplementary part of that, and with plenty of different products on the market, there’s never been a better time to try it.
