Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects millions of Americans each year. It’s estimated that more than 70% of adults in the US will experience a traumatic event at least once in their life, and around 20% develop full-on PTSD. Women are twice more likely to experience PTSD than men.
The causes of PTSD can vary from person to person but the condition is usually triggered by an extreme life-altering event, like going to war, a near-death experience, witnessing a death, or from sexual violence or abuse.
People with PTSD tend to have an imbalance of neurotransmitters — the chemicals that your brain uses to communicate with your body — especially the feel-good hormone called serotonin. Imaging studies conducted on patients with PTSD show reduced brain function in the areas that regulate learning, memory, and mood.
As of now there is no known cure for PTSD, but current studies show potential with cannabis. A 2019 study published by the Lewis group in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found 91% percent of the 11 patients taking CBD experienced a significant reduction in nightmares and in events of panic.
If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD there are many organizations out there to help. Not sure where to start? Try one of these organizations:
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