CBD Oil for ADHD in Children and Adults
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that is commonly diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood1. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, often requiring medication; so naturally, many people find themselves wondering about whether CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults may be beneficial?
Whilst the research on CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults is still limited at present, our sound understanding of how CBD works in the body suggests the possibility that CBD oil may, in fact, offer benefits in easing the symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.
What is ADHD?
Before we can take a look at whether it might be beneficial to take CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults, it helps to have some understanding for the condition. The CDC1 describes that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, which often continues into adulthood. Children with ADHD tend to have trouble focusing, controlling impulsive behaviors, or they may be overly active. Symptoms can become more severe as the child gets older, causing difficulties at school or home, or with friends.
ADHD presentation can be categorized as either:
- Predominantly inattentive: the person has difficulty focusing on a task, paying attention to detail, or following instructions or conversations. The person may be forgetful and easily distracted.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: the individual fidgets or moves a lot, feels restless and has difficulty controlling impulses. They may interrupt conversations inappropriately, grab things out of others’ hands, or find it difficult to wait their turn.
- Combined: with equally presented symptoms.
The current causes and risk factors for ADHD are still not understood at present, although the current research does show that genetics plays an important role in the development of the condition2.
What does the current research say about CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults?
As it currently stands, the research around CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults is incredibly limited. At the time of writing this blog post, there are no scientific research studies specifically related to CBD oil use for ADHD in children.
Much of what scientists hypothesize relates back to what research is available around cannabis as a whole plant and not particularly cannabidiol (CBD) as an isolated compound. Studies have shown mixed results, but again, these trials have been on cannabis use in individuals with ADHD, rather than CBD oil use.
It is therefore not completely clear whether or not CBD can offer any benefits in terms of easing the symptoms of ADHD, but this isn’t stopping people from trying it!
What do we know about how CBD oil works in the body?
Scientists have a sound understanding of how CBD interacts with the body. When CBD oil is consumed, the cannabidiol interacts with two types of receptors in the body; namely, these are CB1 and CB2. These receptors have direct effects on different/specific parts of the body.
It may indeed be beneficial to take CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults, because the interaction of the ingested CBD appears to trigger the release of the body’s own natural (endogenous) cannabinoids. This is thought to lead to a number of benefits within the body, including reduced anxiety and reduced hyperactivity.
CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults as a safer alternative to medications.
The side effects of many common ADHD medications compel people to try CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults, since CBD oil use rarely causes any side effects in users. Medications for ADHD are usually classed as either ‘stimulant’ or ‘non-stimulant’, and side effects tend to be common. These include poor appetite, weight loss, headaches, mood changes, and more.
Make Transcending Organics your choice if you choose to try CBD oil for ADHD.
Are you aware that not all CBD oils are created equal? If you are considering trying CBD oil for ADHD in children and adults, you can have confidence in your purchase from Transcending Organics. Our CBD oil products are all produced using only entirely organic, non-GMO and vegan ingredients. Our CBD products undergo the most thorough filtration procedures to ensure that there is no THC in the final product. As such, you can be confident that there will be no psychoactive or addictive properties to the CBD oil whatsoever.
Disclaimer
The content detailed in this blog post regarding CBD oil for ADHS in children and adults is intended to be used for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to diagnose or treat any physical or mental illness. As such, the information should not be taken as general or medical advice. You should always consult with your qualified and trusted health professional for an accurate diagnosis of any health condition.
References
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2021), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), [https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html], accessed 02/01/2021.
2Faraone, S. V., Larsson, H., (2018), Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Molecular Psychiatry, vol. 24, pp. 562-575.