Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD has been gaining popularity because of the therapeutic benefits users claim it has.
Some evidence suggests that CBD oil may have the ability to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, scientists who undertake these studies conclude that more research needs to conducted to substantiate their findings.
ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder that appears in childhood. Even though its actual cause is not known, scientists observed differences in brain development and brain activity compared to the normal kids. People with ADHD find it difficult to remain attentive for long. They are also hyperactive and impulsive.
In this article, you are going to learn about the potential benefits of CBD oil and studies that suggest CBD may treat the symptoms of ADHD.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is an essential oil that contains huge amounts of cannabidiol (CBD). It is made by extracting cannabidiol from hemp plant then adding carrier oils and scents to make it suitable for use.
CBD is the non-psychotic component of cannabis that does not make people feel high. Instead, it is the THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol) that makes people euphoric when they ingest or smoke cannabis.
CBD oil has numerous potential benefits that may improve brain health. Researchers claim that CBD can influence the endocannabinoid system which regulates brain activity. The endocannabinoid system contains chemical receptors similar to cannabinoids known as endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the chemicals found in cannabis and cannabidiol(CBD) is one of them.
Endocannabinoids interact with the central nervous system to control various processes within the brain and around the body. By introducing cannabidiol (CBD) into the body, you intensify the power of the endocannabinoid system because CBD will act in the same way as the endocannabinoids. The result is a positive influence on the brain.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a nervous system disorder that is diagnosed in childhood and persists into adulthood. Its cure is yet to be found so doctors usually treat its symptoms using various medications and therapy.
People with ADHD generally have impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. They also find it difficult concentrating on one activity for a long time. Here are detailed symptoms of ADHD:
Self-focused behavior
Kids and adults with ADHD find it hard to recognize other people’s desires and opinions. They usually interrupt their friends or parents while having a conversation. They also don’t have turn-taking skills.
Fidgeting
Kids with ADHD often can’t sit still. They usually try to move around, touch themselves, or play with other objects when forced to stay in one place. These kids also have trouble playing quietly because of the fidgeting.
Limited attention span
When you ask children with ADHD to repeat whatever you told them after a few minutes, they will not be able to. This is because they forget things very fast.
Having trouble following instructions
You may think that a kid is not intelligent or clever because he fails to follow simple instructions. Children with ADHD find it hard to complete activities with a plan because they have a low attention span.
Daydreaming
While most kids with ADHD may be loud and active, some kids with ADHD are usually quiet and reserved. Instead of disturbing their friends, they will get lost in their minds imagining things out of this world.
There are many other signs and symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults. They may exhibit any of these behaviors during their lifetime. ADHD is treatable. If your kid is diagnosed with ADHD, then you should explore the treatment options available with the help of your doctor.
How CBD oil can treat the symptoms of ADHD
Even though cannabidiol may not cure ADHD, studies suggest that it may treat some of the symptoms of ADHD.
Research reveals that CBD has the potential to calm the mind. This property of CBD may be helpful to people with ADHD because their brain activity is usually high, making them hyperactive. Using CBD may reduce the unnecessary movements that people with ADHD experience.
A study conducted by the University of Albany in New York revealed the effects of cannabis on ADHD. Participants with various subtypes of ADHD involving impulsivity and hyperactivity used cannabis daily to control their symptoms. These people claimed that they were calmer after using cannabis.
Moreover, people with attention deficit subtype of ADHD did not experience changes after using cannabis. The scientists who conducted the study concluded that more research was needed to substantiate their findings on the properties of cannabis.
Side effects of CBD
CBD users claim that they experienced different types of side effects. These side effects may be severe when you take higher doses. The common symptoms include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Changes in appetite
These side effects may go away with time as you get used to the CBD products. Studies conducted by scientists also show that potential long-term effects of cbd oil products are not known.
There is only one CBD-based drug that has been approved by the FDA known as Epidiolex. It helps to treat the symptoms of two rare forms of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome and Lennox- Gastaut Syndrome.
These CBD drugs manufactured by various companies may not necessarily provide the outcome you expect. This is because their viability has not been tested and proven by the Food and Drug Administration.
Before taking any CBD product, ensure you consult your doctor because CBD can interact with certain drugs in your body causing liver infections. Take care of your health.
Conclusion
ADHD is a neurological disorder that is diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by limited attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD has no cure but its symptoms can be treated through medications and therapies.
Cannabidiol is a non-psychotic chemical found in the cannabis plant with potential health benefits. Studies conducted by scientists suggest that CBD may treat the symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity by regulating brain activity. More research needs to done to prove these findings.
Author
Vincent Otieno is a cannabis writer and enthusiast. Apart from writing about the potential benefits of CBD, he also loves digital marketing and self-development. Reach out to him at his website (vincentowrites.com).