Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis that has many benefits for the body. This has led many to speculate that it may also have potential applications in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Before you decide to try it, however, it's important to learn more about what CBD oil is, what the research says about what it can do, and what benefits it can have in alleviating ADHD symptoms. We invite you to read!
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is most often diagnosed in childhood. It can cause symptoms such as; inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant and mixed with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil, grape seed oil, olive oil or sunflower oil.
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of different compounds. CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, it is not psychoactive and thus is associated with certain mental health benefits, including potential benefits for people with ADHD.
Reasons to consider using CBD
Some people who advocate the use of CBD oil for ADHD suggest that:
It may be more effective, for example, than other treatments
It can have far fewer side effects than traditional medications
It may have different and better mental health benefits
Part of the attractiveness of using CBD oil may be avoiding some of the side effects associated with traditional ADHD treatments.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 70 to 80% of children with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms after taking ADHD-stimulating medications, they can cause side effects including sleep problems, decreased appetite, and mood changes.
Before you decide to try CBD oil for ADHD, it's important to consider the research available. Most importantly, you should always speak to your doctor before trying any alternative remedies.
Tests
So what do the experts say? Is CBD oil really effective in treating ADHD? Interest in using CBD has far exceeded research into its uses, safety, and effectiveness.
While some proponents make many claims, the truth is that research into using CBD to treat ADHD is very limited. Most of what scientists already know comes from research into the use of dried cannabis or the consumed marijuana, not directly on the effects of CBD oil or other CBD products.
Even the research available on the use of cannabis to treat ADHD is very limited. Many of these studies also rely on patient-reported data that does not provide as much support as clinical trials.
CBD can reduce hyperactivity
A 2013 study looked at cannabis use and the ADHD subtypes. Data collected from over 2,800 participants showed that people were more likely to report symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity when not self-medicated with cannabis. This suggests that people using CBD Oil for self-medication may find relief from symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
CBD can reduce the symptoms of ADHD
Just a few years ago, one 2017 controlled study found that adults with ADHD treated with the cannabinoid drug Sativex (containing THC and CBD) showed a slight reduction in ADHD symptoms without cognitive impairment. However, it should be remembered that this improvement was slight. and were not enough to show that cannabinoids were significantly more effective than other treatments.
A 2020 study found that higher doses of medical marijuana were associated with decreased use of ADHD medications in adults. Products containing a higher dose of CBD were associated with lower ADHD scores.
CBD for ADHD symptoms
While the evidence that CBD oil may be useful in treating ADHD remains scant, it may be useful in managing some of the symptoms that are sometimes associated with the disease. ADHD is often associated with a variety of comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression.
CBD has shown promise as a potential treatment for many mental health conditions, so it may be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in people who have ADHD.
Summary
Should you try CBD oil for ADHD? Here's a very important thing to remember:
It should not replace other treatments. While there is evidence that CBD may be of use in mental health, that doesn't make it the best option for treating ADHD. Until further evidence shows CBD is useful for this purpose, it's better to stick to known treatments that have a solid history of effectiveness.