By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Ministry of HempMinistry of Hemp
Notification Show More
Latest News
best kratom vendors | kratom leaves and powder
Best Kratom Vendors in 2023: Top 6 Kratom Brands for quality products
Kratom
Delta 8 Wax in various consistency
Delta 8 Wax : Best Delta 8 THC Concentrates Brands of 2023
Cannabis
delta 8 gummies in fruity flavors
Best Delta 8 Gummies: Top 5 Edible Brands Of 2023
Delta
Whether you switch to cannabis flower, dab a concentrate, or eat an edible, there's numerous alternatives to vaping available. Photo: A person rolls a joint using a rolling paper and a filter, as well as broken up cannabis flower. A cannabis grinder is on a table nearby.
Healthy Alternatives to Vaping: What To Do Instead Of Vaping
Guides
Will Delta 8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test?
Guides
Aa
  • Cannabis
  • Kratom
  • Psychedelic
  • Studies
  • Vapes
  • Legalization
  • Write For Us
Aa
Ministry of HempMinistry of Hemp
Search
  • Cannabis
  • Kratom
  • Psychedelic
  • Studies
  • Vapes
  • Legalization
  • Write For Us
Ministry of Hemp > Blog > Guides > CBD For Bipolar Disorder: Can Cannabinoids Help Treat Bipolar Affective Disorder?
Guides

CBD For Bipolar Disorder: Can Cannabinoids Help Treat Bipolar Affective Disorder?

Ministry of Hemp Published May 19, 2023
10 Min Read

We wanted to take a closer look at the science behind using CBD for bipolar affective disorder.

Contents
WHAT IS BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER?SYMPTOMS OF MANIC EPISODESSYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSIVE EPISODESCONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS OF BIPOLAR DISORDERENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION AND BPADREGULATING THE EC SYSTEM WITH PHYTOCANNABINOIDSAnandamide and THCCannabidiol (CBD)Other CannabinoidsUSING CBDS & OTHER CANNABINOIDS FOR BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER

The National Mental Health Institute estimates 4.4 percent of adults in the United States will be given a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) in their lifetime. Adults with BPAD experience the highest rate of impairment among psychiatric patients; an estimated 82.9 percent suffer from severe disablement.

Bipolar affective disorder and its variants can be treatment resistant, which may explain the high rate of disability. Anecdotal evidence, supported by preliminary studies, suggest that cannabinoids have the potential to improve the symptoms of BPAD in some individuals by regulating the endocannabinoid system.

WHAT IS BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER?

Bipolar affective disorder is a mental illness that causes significant changes in mood, motivation and energy. A process known as cycling, which involves periods of euphoria (manic episodes) followed by hopelessness (depressive episodes), is a hallmark of the illness.

A man hands holding a white paper sheet with two faced head over a crowded street background.
Some preliminary research supports the use of CBD for bipolar affective disorder treatment.

There are four variants of bipolar affective disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder and bipolar spectrum disorders. The severity and frequency of symptoms are used to determine which variant is diagnosed. Bipolar I is the most severe form of the disease.

SYMPTOMS OF MANIC EPISODES

Manic episodes, sometimes referred to as mania, are characterized by exaggerated self-esteem, insomnia, racing thoughts and abnormal speech, inability to focus, and impulsive behaviours. True manic episodes only affect those diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. However, patients with other variants of BPAD experience hypomania, a less severe form of mania.Mania, although considered the “high” stage of BPAD, can cause disastrous consequences. Many manic episodes result in hospitalization, psychotic symptoms or grave impairment (e.g., risky behaviour leading to legal trouble). Untreated manic episodes can develop into psychosis.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSIVE EPISODES

Depressive episodes mimic a severe form of depression known as major depressive disorder. Symptoms can include feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Additional traits of depressive episodes are changes in sleep patterns and appetite, trouble concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

This cycle of bipolar disorder is the “low” point of the disease. Like mania, depressive episodes vary in severity depending on which variant of bipolar disorder is present. In mixed episodes, patients with Bipolar I disorder exhibit signs of both mania and depression.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

Prescription drugs used in conjunction with psychotherapy can help alleviate symptoms of BPAD in most patients. However, bipolar affective disorder can be treatment-resistant, making it difficult to manage in some people. Treatment-resistant BPAD is cause for concern, as up to 50 percent of individuals diagnosed will attempt suicide at least once in their lives.

Medications prescribed for BPAD include anticonvulsants, antimanic drugs and antidepressants. Use of antidepressants alone can lead to the onset of mania or rapid cycling. People often take mood stabilizers or anticonvulsants to negate these possible side effects.

The only pharmaceutical shown to have a consistent, positive effect on suicide rates in bipolar patients is lithium. However, newer research has shown there may be a possibility to control BPAD through manipulating the endocannabinoid (EC) system. These are the neurotransmitters responsible for binding cannabinoid proteins to receptors.

ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION AND BPAD

The endocannabinoid system, discovered in the mid-1990s, is comprised of two receptors, CB1 and CB2. Cannabinoids, a type of compound found in both the human body and cannabis plants, bind to these receptors to alter brain function. The body naturally produces neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, while cannabis plants contain phytocannabinoids.

 

An illustration of neurons firing in a human head. Post-mortem studies of human brains of people with bipolar affective disorder found some abnormalities in how they process cannabinoids.
Post-mortem studies of human brains of people with bipolar affective disorder found some abnormalities in how they process cannabinoids.

Postmortem studies have found that brains of patients diagnosed with mental illness, including BPAD variants, show abnormalities in the endocannabinoid system. A similar study, conducted using brain slices from mice, showed dysfunctional CB2 receptors inhibited the release of serotonin, suggesting a healthy EC system helps to regulate mood.

An investigation of endocannabinoid gene variants in 83 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), 134 with BPAD, and 117 healthy control participants found two marked differences in the patients afflicted with MDD and BPAD. The researchers found abnormalities in the CB1 receptor (CNR1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) genes of the ill participants when comparing them to the control group.

REGULATING THE EC SYSTEM WITH PHYTOCANNABINOIDS

Because of the distribution of endocannabinoid receptors throughout the brain, many of the areas they affect overlap with regions thought to be responsible for BPAD, along with other mental illnesses. Studies have shown patients with specific abnormalities in the CNR1 gene are at a higher risk of being resistant to pharmacological treatment, leaving them more vulnerable to the effects of bipolar affective disorder.

For these patients, phytocannabinoids could provide a way to manipulate the EC system and regulate the level of chemicals traditionally targeted by pharmacological medications. As always with hemp and cannabis research, these studies are still preliminary. Researchers will need to conduct more research to prove whether CBD and other cannabinoids can help treat bipolar affective disorder.

Anandamide and THC

Anandamide, called the bliss molecule, is naturally produced in the body and is similar in molecular structure to THC. Both anandamide and THC bind to CB1 receptors, altering areas of the brain responsible for memory, concentration, movement, perception, and pleasure.

FAAH genes are responsible for activating anandamide; indicating people with FAAH gene mutations may not have the appropriate levels of anandamide in the brain. Supplementing brains deficient in anandamide with THC may help restore chemical balances. Theoretically, this could alleviate cycling between manic and depressive phases.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol has been shown to inhibit serotonin reuptake in rats, suggesting it repairs abnormalities in CB1 receptors found to inhibit release in mice. If CBD functions the same in human brains, it could provide an alternative to conventional antidepressants, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant BPAD.

A randomized clinical trial found CBD reduces abnormal brain function in regions associated with psychosis, implying it may have therapeutic effects on symptoms associated with the manic phase of BPAD. If CBD regulates both depressive and manic symptoms, it could help treat individuals who do not react well to lithium.

Other Cannabinoids

Cannabis is a complex compound, made up of over 500 chemicals. Cannabinoids suspect over 100 of these compounds. Limited data exists on chemical effects, excluding CBD and THC, due to insufficient studies determining their reactions in the EC system.

Among cannabinoids that have already been isolated, CBG and CBCV seem to show a potential for treating mood disorders, such as depression. Further study may help isolate more of these chemicals and determine what effect they have on the EC system.

A gloved scientist with a vial of CBD and a hemp leaf. Preliminary research supports further investigation into using CBD to treat bipolar affective disorder.
Though research is just beginning, it seems likely that CBD and other cannabinoids could help people with bipolar affective disorder.

USING CBDS & OTHER CANNABINOIDS FOR BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER

CBD rarely causes adverse reactions. Both conventional methods of treatment and using cannabis derivatives as treatment carry risks. The most dangerous side effect of any treatment for BPAD is the potential worsening of symptoms.

Those with bipolar disorder symptoms or previous diagnosis should consult a medical professional before treatment changes. Even those who present with treatment-resistant variations of the disease can benefit from traditional methods (such as psychotherapy).

Regulating the EC system through phytocannabinoids may provide a way to alleviate symptoms in those with treatment-resistant BPAD. Preliminary data requires validation, but cannabinoids show promise as a BPAD treatment in additional human trials.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles instantly!

You Might Also Like

Healthy Alternatives to Vaping: What To Do Instead Of Vaping

Will Delta 8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test?

What is THCV: Everything You Need to Know About This Cannabinoid.

Delta-8 THC Dosage: How Much Should You Take?

TAGGED: Cannabinoids, CBD, CBD Oil, Endocannabinoid System, hemp, Mental health, science
Ministry of Hemp May 19, 2023
2 Comments
  • Kelly says:
    April 14, 2019 at 8:06 am

    My boyfriend has been diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder. He takes lithium, but absolutely hates the side effects, and the side effects actually make him feel depressed. He has manic episodes, but not severe depressed lows, maybe just mild depression. Mostly the “lows” are because he hates the way the lithium makes him feel and what it’s doing to him physically, so that “gets him down”. It sounds like CBD oil could possibly be an alternative. Is there clinical trials that he could be part of? How would we get information on that?
    Thank you in advance for your help!

    Kelly

    Reply
  • Devri says:
    May 1, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    I also suffer from BPD and meds have a marginal affect. I’ve tried many meds throughout the years. Lithium in particular, made me a zombie. I absolutely couldn’t take it. I am interested in CBD to replace my meds. I hate taking pharmaceutical meds. How do I find out what type of CBD to take for this?

    Thanks!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad imageAd image
Ministry of Hemp (MOH) is your go-to source for infotainment on cannabis, psychedelics, kratom, and hemp. Blending information and entertainment, we explore the latest trends, products, and innovations in the world of alternative plant-based experiences. Dive into MOH and enrich your journey with captivating insights and inspiration.

Quick Link

  • Best CBD Gummies
  • Best CBD Oil
  • Best Delta-8 Gummies
  • Best Delta-9 Gummies

Our Best

  • Best HHC Gummies
  • Best Delta-8 Flower
  • Best Delta-8 Carts
  • Best CBD Capsules

Explore

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise With Us
Ministry of HempMinistry of Hemp
Follow US

© Ministry Of Hemp. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?