A brief summary of the condition, it’s causes,
common symptoms and treatment pathways
and how Medical Cannabis could help.
A brief summary of the condition, it’s causes,
common symptoms, treatment plans
and how Medical Cannabis can help.
OCD is a mental health condition characterised by obsessions or compulsions or both.
Obsessions are unwanted or intrusive thoughts, images or urges. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that need to be carried out for fear of something bad happening.
Obsessive-compulsive actions seem impossible to stop. This can be time-consuming and cause great distress, having a significant impact on a person’s ability to function.
OCD is thought to affect 1 to 4% of the population.
As with other mental health conditions, the exact cause of OCD is not fully understood.
It can be caused by:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for OCD. It helps individuals identify and challenge the irrational beliefs and thought patterns that drive their obsessions and compulsions.
Antidepressants are also frequently used, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants.
In some severe cases of OCD, where antidepressants alone are not sufficient, an antipsychotic (such as risperidone) can be added.
A combination of CBT and medication can be used, and talking therapy, sharing support and coping strategies with other sufferers is often beneficial.
The two primary compounds in medical cannabis are the cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, anxiety, and various neurological functions.
CBD has calming and anti-anxiety effects. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically by influencing serotonin receptors, which play a role in mood regulation. Some studies have shown that CBD might reduce general anxiety which could be beneficial for individuals with OCD, especially if their obsessions and compulsions lead to significant distress.
THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis and can have varying effects on anxiety. In some individuals, particularly those prone to anxiety disorders, THC can increase anxiety and paranoia, potentially worsening OCD symptoms.
The effects of THC can vary significantly among individuals, and while some might find it beneficial for relaxation and reducing obsessive thoughts, others may experience heightened anxiety and panic. This is why it is important to discuss your symptoms with your specialist, to ensure the correct CBD:THC ratios.
Suffering from a medical condition can be awful, the last thing you want to do is wait months for treatment.
Making sure you are seen and treated as soon as possible is one of our top priorities.
Start your journey to a better quality of life with CB1 Medical today.
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4.8 overall rating on Google
May 2024
Where do I start?! I have to admit I was very nervous, considering I have tried numerous treatments for my fibromyalgia and EDS and had a medical prescription 3 pages long and really complex medical issues. I was in an awfully high level of pain, even with all that.
Every single staff member from reception, nurses, pharmacy and my lovely Dr Vanessa Hutchinson have been consistently friendly, professional, helpful and incredibly fast in progressing me from initial online enquiry to receiving my prescription (just under 2 weeks and we had the Easter 4 day break in-between!).
In this very short time, my pain levels have reduced significantly (as have my other medications!). I cannot recommend this clinic enough. Thanks CB1 MEDICAL 🙂
March 2024
Staff really nice, and keep in touch to monitor my progress and any questions I may have. I feel very comfortable talking about my situation as no judgement or negative feedback. I feel like my life, health and symptoms are being taken seriously but with care.
Follow up appointment over the telephone was relaxed, no rushing, he answered all the questions about my medication and progress without prejudice, sarcasm and was so easy and a breath of fresh air. I can say that if you are thinking of treatment and support like nowhere else then you will be in very caring and professional hands that really do make you feel that you are important and heard with respect and understanding. 5 stars are not enough.
October 2024
My life has been transformed since starting medical cannabis with CB1 Medical.
Dr Richard Pertwee was friendly and so knowledgeable. The relief I’ve experienced has been nothing short of miraculous. The quality of life I now have is something I never thought possible, started to smell the roses eg I’m incredibly grateful to you all.
Highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling or has ineffective medication.
April 2024
I know when you pay for an appointment, you expect a different service, but honestly, this is beyond what I expected. The appointments were scheduled quickly, and happened within days, mostly late evenings to fit around my work. The doctors listen and I didn’t feel like I was being judged as just a junkie after pain meds. That’s how I feel in an NHS appointment.
The meds were delivered quickly and I got to using them right away. In the last 11 days, I’ve used painkillers once, and only paracetamol. This is down from multiple painkillers multiple times every single day. And I sleep so much better as well.
