What do you get when you combine the creativity of the artist, the sensitivity of the poet and the madness of the madman? Bipolar disorder. This article explores how cannabis can be beneficial in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
The condition is a spectrum that comes with peaks and valleys, ups and downs, highs and lows. While it is not an easy or pleasant disease to have, many people with bipolar disorder report an increase in creativity during their manic stages.
According to a study published in Current Biology, as many as 5.7% of people worldwide are diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes the person to experience extreme shifts in their mood and energy levels.
It can be challenging to diagnose because Bipolar Disorder Symptoms overlap with other disorders, like anxiety and depression. Bipolar disorder is also known as a manic depression. Because the extreme mood swings of this illness include both a depressed state and a state of mania.
During a depressive episode, a person with bipolar disorder may be extremely sad, have few interests, sleep too much or too little, have reduced energy, have difficulty concentrating, have feelings of hopelessness, have thoughts of suicide, and/or have trouble with daily activities like work and relationships.
During a manic episode, a person with bipolar may feel an exaggerated sense of self-importance, have a lot of energy, be extremely talkative, and take on too many tasks at once.
Why Cannabis may be Helpful for People with BPD
Cannabis is a plant that has many medicinal properties, including being helpful for people with bipolar disorder.
Although the link between bipolar disorder and Medical Marijuana isn’t fully understood, there are many reasons why it may be beneficial in managing the symptoms. Cannabis is a mood-altering drug that has been used for centuries as a treatment for a broad spectrum of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder.
Studies have shown that people with bipolar disorder who use cannabis have reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, and an improved quality of life. Some people with bipolar disorder use cannabis regularly to manage their symptoms.
There isn’t enough research to say whether marijuana use for treating bipolar disorder is a good thing or a bad thing.
Individuals should consult with a doctor before using cannabis to treat bipolar disorder.
Cannabis and Bipolar Disorder: Depression and Anxiety
Many people with bipolar disorder experience depression, and regular cannabis use has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in these people.
People who use cannabis for bipolar disorder may find that it helps alleviate depression by increasing the release of neurochemicals like dopamine, which gives a person a sense of pleasure, and glutamate, which is responsible for learning and memory.
These neurotransmitters are also important for regulating mood, appetite and sleep. In people with bipolar disorder, these neurotransmitters have been shown to function differently than in people without the disorder. One study found that people with bipolar disorder who use cannabis had a higher level of dopamine in the brain, which associates with a lower risk of depression.
Cannabis may also be helpful in treating anxiety that comes with bipolar disorder. One study found that people with bipolar disorder who used cannabis had a lower level of anxiety than those who didn’t.
Mania or Mixed Episodes
People who have bipolar disorder with a history of mania may experience a reduction in their manic symptoms. A manic episode occurs when a person is experiencing an abnormally elevated mood. For example, low need for sleep, racing thoughts and hyperactivity.
While it’s hard to know for sure if a person is in the midst of a manic episode. However there are some warning signs to look out for. For instance, an excessive increase in energy and activity, racing thoughts, a decreased need for sleep, a sense of grandiosity and an inappropriate sense of pleasure or happiness. Some studies have suggested that cannabis may reduce the intensity of manic symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that while cannabis may help, it won’t cure the underlying mania. Some people with bipolar disorder report that they experience a mix of both depressive and manic symptoms. As when they use cannabis, or they experience mood swings with no clear pattern.
Racing Thoughts and Speech
People with bipolar symptoms can experience racing thoughts. Which is when someone has a hard time stopping or slowing their thoughts.
Racing thoughts may include having difficulty concentrating, having too many thoughts at once, or feelings of restlessness. Research suggests that using cannabis may reduce the severity of racing thoughts in people with bipolar disorder.
Cannabis may also help slow down a person’s speech, which associates with an increase in self-awareness. Someone who’s experiencing racing thoughts or has a difficult time slowing down their speech may benefit from cannabis.
Cannabis may also help with anxiety, which is sometimes experienced by people with bipolar disorder.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is a spectrum that comes with peaks and valleys, ups and downs, highs and lows.
While it is not an easy or pleasant disease to have. Many people with bipolar disorder report an increase in creativity during their manic stages. This article explores how cannabis can be beneficial in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Although the link between bipolar disorder and cannabis isn’t fully understood. There are many reasons why it may be beneficial in managing these psychotic symptoms.