Treating ADD/ADHD with CBD – Benefits & Effects

Before we proceed it is first and foremost imperative to note that both ADD and ADHD are characterized by low levels of dopamine. Cannabinoids, (CBD) have been proven to improve the transmission of the chemical neurotransmitter in the brain, dopamine, which helps to enhance cognitive processes.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common type of mental disorder that mostly affects children. Boys are more prone to this condition than girls and most often, the symptoms are discovered in the early years of school. Many children with Attention Deficit Disorder are hyperactive and lack the ability to control their impulses. It is also common for some children with ADHD or ADD to face challenges when it comes to paying attention. Of course, this could go a long way to adversely interfere with their behaviors both in school and at home.

It should be noted that even though Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is most commonly diagnosed in children, some adults are sometimes affected by it too. Most of the adults with ADHD typically face difficulties when it comes to managing their time, setting goals or even keeping a job. In addition, adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may also suffer from low self-esteem, relationship issues and even addictions.

Some of the most common symptoms of ADD/ADHD include the inability to pay attention, daydreaming, forgetfulness, easily distracted, talking excessively, constantly fidgeting, the inability to stay seated, impulsiveness as well as difficulties controlling anger, etc. Well, the consoling thing is the fact that ADHD can be treated.

As a matter of fact, prescribed stimulant drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall are used in treating Attention Deficit Disorder. Even though the medications used in treating Attention Deficit Disorder are believed to help correct the levels of a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine, many of such medications have been reported to have adverse side effects.

Of course, dopamine is the neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s cognitive abilities such as memory, attention levels, as well as mood. It is also worthy to note that low levels of this chemical (dopamine) result in the manifestation of Attention Deficit Disorder. CBD has therefore been proven to help the focus of ADHD patients by making more active the adenosine receptors in their brain, thereby reducing anxiety. Thus, CBD works to minimize the distractions and hyperactivity that most ADHD patients often exhibit.

Scientists have also argued that CBD is a safer alternative treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder because it has milder side effects. Medications like Ritalin and Adderall that are often used in managing ADHD/ADD often present side effects, some of which can be severe and affect a sufferer’s life. CBD on its part causes minimal side effects when used to manage the symptoms of ADHD/ADD. Hence scientists have opined that CBD is safer when compared to the conventional drugs that are used in treating Attention Deficit Disorder.

This assertion can be explained by the fact that although CBD oil is from the Cannabis plant, it doesn’t have the psychoactive effects or properties that characterize the plant. During the extraction process, THC which is rather psychoactive is removed in the process.

A few studies have been carried out on the effectiveness of CBD in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According to a study that was carried out in 2014, patients who used CBD oil showed a reduction of hyperactivity, had better sleep patterns and enhanced concentration. The findings from this study that was conducted on 30 participants in Germany revealed that the 30 patients who had previously not responded to the conventional treatments of ADD/ADHD responded positively to CBD.

In another study in 2013, CBD oil was presented to self-medicating patients. It was observed that after some time, the patients admitted to have been relieved from the impulsiveness and hyperactivity characteristic of the ADD they were suffering from. The researchers therefore confirmed the benefits of CBD to the management of Attention Deficit Disorder.

In 2012, a study that was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology noted that CBD inhibits hyperactivity as well as normalizes social investigative behavior. It is worthy to note that this study was conducted on lab rats that were treated with a proprietary-formulated substance that induces onset symptoms of ADHD. The findings from this study revealed that hyperactivity in the rats was inhibited, and social investigated behavior was not only normalized, but was increased beyond control levels after being treated with a 3mg per kg dose of CBD.

Another random trial was conducted in the London King’s College. This trial aimed at investigating the effectiveness of CBD on ADD/ADHD in selected patients. The patients reported improved cognitive abilities, with reduced hyperactivity and higher focus and concentration.

Scientists have, however, cautioned people not use CBD as a treatment option for ADD without consulting with their physician. The reason is that everyone is different and everyone’s reaction to CBD could as well be different.

Sources:

Wed MD