CBD, Autism, and ADHD: New Insights from Tel Aviv Scientists
CBD-rich hemp oil may be viable option for relieving ADHD symptoms in children
A recent study published in *Current Neuropharmacology* indicates that CBD-rich hemp oil may help alleviate symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This is especially relevant for individuals for whom standard pharmacological treatments have not been effective. The research was conducted by scientists from Tel Aviv University, who followed participants for up to six months.
This prospective, open-label study involved 109 children and young adults with autism and significant ADHD symptoms. Follow-up assessments took place between late 2019 and early 2021. Of this group, 53 participants were evaluated using the Conners Teacher Assessment Scale, a standardized tool completed by teachers both before and after the therapy.
Participants received CBD-rich hemp oil for a duration of three to six months. The use of teacher assessments enabled researchers to examine behavioral changes in a school environment, rather than relying solely on reports from parents or guardians.
What Were The Behavioral Changes Observed After CBD Therapy?
The study results showed that teachers reported statistically significant improvements in several key areas of the participants' functioning. Notable reductions were observed in anxiety, shyness, emotional instability, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Overall ADHD scores also improved.
Additionally, changes in perfectionism were noted, suggesting that the benefits of CBD may extend beyond the primary symptoms of ADHD. The study also indicated improvements in oppositional behavior, cognitive inattention, and overall functioning; however, these results were considered secondary trends rather than primary outcomes.
Analysis of CBD Levels and Their Relationship to Treatment Outcomes
The study included blood analyses conducted before and after therapy to measure the levels of CBD and its metabolites in the participants' bodies. Researchers found no consistent association between cannabinoid concentrations and the observed behavioral changes, with one exception: higher CBD levels were linked to greater improvements in emotional lability. This suggests a possible influence of CBD dosage on emotion regulation in children and young adults experiencing autism and ADHD symptoms.
Study Significance and Methodological Limitations
The authors emphasize that this is the first prospective study assessing the effectiveness of CBD-rich cannabis for treating ADHD symptoms in children with autism, based on teacher evaluations. However, they note that the open-label nature of the study limits the ability to definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
Despite these limitations, the results provide further evidence suggesting that cannabinoids may have a beneficial role in treating attention and behavioral disorders in this specific population.
The authors propose that CBD-rich hemp oil could be a viable therapeutic option for relieving ADHD symptoms in children with autism. They also highlight the need for further randomized controlled trials to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment and to determine the optimal dosage.
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