THE USE OF CANNABIDIOL (CBD) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON EFFICACY AND SAFETY

Abstract

This study addresses the use of cannabidiol (cbd) as a therapeutic alternative in managing anxiety disorders, focusing on its efficacy, safety, and potential clinical application. Anxiety disorders, which rank among the most prevalent and debilitating mental health conditions, require effective and safe therapeutic approaches, especially in cases of resistance to conventional treatments. In this context, cbd emerges as a promising option due to its anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its lower risk of side effects compared to traditional anxiolytics. The study's objective was to explore the therapeutic potential of cbd in the treatment of anxiety disorders, evaluating its efficacy, safety, and gaps in the existing literature. The research followed a narrative literature review methodology, collecting data from scientific databases such as pubmed, scielo, and the virtual health library (vhl), covering studies published between 2014 and 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed articles addressing cbd application in anxiety disorders and evidence of its efficacy and safety, while studies focusing exclusively on recreational cannabis use or other disorders were excluded. The results were organized into four main thematic categories: comparisons with conventional medications, cbd efficacy, gaps in the literature, and safety and adverse effect profiles.the analyzed studies demonstrate that cbd has proven anxiolytic efficacy in various conditions, such as social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with intermediate doses (300-600 mg) showing the best outcomes. However, the literature still lacks robust, long-term clinical trials and methodological standardization to solidify these findings. Regarding safety, cbd exhibited a favorable profile, with a low incidence of adverse effects at therapeutic doses. Comparative studies highlighted that cbd offers advantages over conventional medications, such as benzodiazepines, due to its lower risk of dependence and tolerance. Nonetheless, further investigation is needed into the impacts of prolonged use and higher doses, as well as potential interactions with other drugs.the gaps identified in the literature include the need to explore cbd's use in specific conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd), and the impacts of cannabis consumption during adolescence. Additionally, the detailed neurobiological mechanisms of cbd are not yet fully understood, limiting its large-scale clinical application. It is concluded that cbd represents an innovative and effective therapeutic alternative for managing anxiety disorders, particularly in cases resistant to conventional treatment. However, regulatory advances and more scientific studies are necessary to ensure its safety and efficacy and promote its integration into clinical practice in a well-founded manner. This work contributes to expanding knowledge on the subject and fostering future research that consolidates cbd's role as an essential tool in mental health.