Anxiety and the Endocannabinoid System
Anxiety is a normal coping
mechanism; however, in excess, it can be detrimental. More than just a
situational response, anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent and
oftentimes irrational dread of everyday situations which can interfere with
daily activities.
Forty million U.S. adults are
affected by an anxiety-related disorder; however, the prevalence of these
disorders should not diminish their impact.
Excessive anxiety is a central
symptom of several neuropsychiatric disorders including generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Anxiety is a complex disorder that can
develop through various factors including genetics, brain chemistry,
personality, and life events.
Anxiety and Emotional Response
Anxiety is our body’s response to
an emotional situation. Biologically, anxiety activates our “fight or flight”
response to warn us of potential threats.
During such time, norepinephrine
and cortisol floods our system to boost to perception, reflexes, and speed.
These chemicals increase the heart rate, blood flow to the muscles, and air
flow. With chronic anxiety, the response is never deactivated, and the physical
and emotional effects of anxiety remain.
Anxiety and the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS)
plays an integral role in regulating emotional response.
Specifically, the ECS supports
nerve activity that determines our response to emotional or aversive events.
An Introduction to the ECS
As discussed in a previous blog,
the endocannabinoid system is a biological system responsible for maintaining
homeostasis. The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids, degradative enzymes, and
cannabinoid receptors. Endocannabinoids such as anandamide (“the bliss
molecule”) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG) are synthesized, or created, by our
body on demand in response to an imbalance. They interact with the cannabinoid
receptors to direct the body back to proper functioning.
CB1 Receptors and Anxiety
CB1 receptors, which are
primarily located on nerve endings, are one of the two major cannabinoids
receptors.
Studies have found the activation
of the CB1 receptor produces anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.
When discussing conditioned fear,
the effect of CB1 receptor activation is complex; however, CB1 receptor
activation can reduce fear and prevent the activation of existing memories from
the past. Additionally, CB1 receptor activation protects against the adverse
effects of chronic stress, which can lead to anxiety. For this reason, CB1
receptor activation has been studied for anxiolytic drug development.
Endocannabinoids activate the CB1
receptor; therefore, a higher level of endocannabinoids can be beneficial for
those with anxiety-related disorders. Additionally, chemicals that inhibit the
FAAH enzyme from breaking down anandamide increase endocannabinoid availability
and are also being studied for their anxiolytic effects.
Living with Anxiety
There are many ways to manage
anxiety; however, less than 40% of those with an anxiety disorder seek
treatment. Still today, there is a stigma surrounding mental illness that
discourages those struggling from seeking help. We can help end the stigma of
mental illness by having open conversations about mental health, encouraging
mental health education, and showing compassion to those with a mental illness.
If you or a loved one is
struggling with an anxiety disorder, we encourage you to learn more about the
disorder and the options for treatment.
This article originally appeared
on MadeByHemp.com