Last Updated on 6th February 2020

The first CBD based research paper published in 2020 is rather encouraging and further validates existing research demonstrating the efficacy of CBD at relieving anxiety in Parkinson's patients.

Researchers from the University of São Paulo performed a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover clinical study in which 24 patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (PD) took CBD in 2 sessions within a 15-day interval.

The South American team showed how an acute administration of 300 mg of CBD decreased anxiety in patients as well as reducing the rate of tremors that were induced by a simulated public speaking test.

In each experiment, the volunteers received either oral CBD or a placebo and 90 minutes after ingestion were given 2 minutes to prepare a 4-minute speech on a neutral subject.

Before, during, and after the exercise they were monitored for anxiety levels using the Visual Analogue Mood Scales (VAMS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Self Statements Public Speaking Scale (SPSS) that allows participants to rate their level of anxiety.

In addition to this, their heart rate and blood pressure were monitored and the researchers performed a Bradykinesia (tapping test) to assess the rate of tremors.

The researchers concluded that “CBD attenuated induced anxiety and decreased tremor amplitude which they note has also been shown in previous studies in patients with social anxiety as well as healthy volunteers”.

Parkinson's Disease affects around 3.3% of the UK population over the age of 64 and approximately 67% of those will show signs and symptoms of anxiety.

There is no cure for anxiety, rather, patients are prescribed antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors which have been shown to stop working after several months and may lead to side effects ranging from headaches to suicidal thoughts.

This study further supports the application of CBD as a safe and effective treatment for anxiety which may also reduce tremors for Parkinson's patients during anxious situations.