Is Cannabis Helpful Or Hurtful To Individuals With ADHD?
Individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) face difficulties staying focused on tasks, controlling impulses, and regulating excessive energy. The number of adults seeking alternatives to prescription medication to treat their ADHD is increasing. Prescription medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) or Adderall (amphetamine) are commonly used to treat ADHD. These prescription medications increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. A significant portion of the population would like to avoid prescription medications. They are concerned about the side effects of prescription medication or they simply want a different approach.
Research On Using Cannabis To Treat ADHD Has Mixed Results.
Although some individuals claim to feel better when they consume cannabis, research has found mixed results. We will review the benefits and risks of using cannabis to treat ADHD.
Benefits Of Cannabis
Reduced Stress And Anxiety: Most individuals with ADHD suffer from anxiety or stress. Studies have shown that CBD (cannabidiol), a compound in cannabis, has anti-anxiety properties. CBD may also reduce the level of restlessness and agitation experienced by most ADHD sufferers. As a result, they may relax and feel less anxious. Improved Sleep: Insomnia is a problem experienced by most ADHD sufferers. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, may induce sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Mood Regulation: Strains of cannabis that contain high amounts of CBD may stabilize mood swings and irritability experienced by most ADHD sufferers. This provides relief for ADHD sufferers experiencing emotional instability.
Risks Of Cannabis Use By ADHD Sufferers
Impaired Cognitive Ability And Memory: High doses of THC may cause impaired cognitive ability, short-term memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. ADHD sufferers already have difficulty focusing. If they consume cannabis with high THC content, it may make it even harder for them to complete tasks and remember important information. Dependency On Cannabis: Some ADHD sufferers may develop a dependency on cannabis to cope with their ADHD symptoms. Chronic cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression and psychosis in some populations. Different Results: Each individual reacts to cannabis differently. What works for one person may not work for another. Some individuals may find that cannabis makes their ADHD symptoms worse. Others may find that it reduces their anxiety or improves their ability to concentrate. However, cannabis may reduce motivation, which could be a negative effect for individuals trying to stay focused and organized.
What Do Researchers Say About Cannabis And ADHD?
Several small studies and anecdotal evidence indicate that cannabis may be able to alleviate some ADHD symptoms, including anxiety and insomnia. However, there is a need for additional large-scale, controlled clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cannabis for treating ADHD.
There have been several studies that indicated while THC may decrease hyperactivity and impulsive behavior in the short-term, it may actually worsen the core symptoms of ADHD through its adverse effects on cognitive function and memory. Conversely, CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, appears to have positive effects on anxiety and relaxation without negatively affecting cognitive function.
UK Viewpoint On Using Cannabis To Treat ADHD
In the UK, cannabis is only prescribed for certain medical conditions such as severe epilepsy and chronic pain, however, not for ADHD. Although CBD products are available in the UK, THC containing cannabis products are not approved for treating ADHD. However, some private clinics in the UK have been known to prescribe cannabis based medicines for other conditions and ADHD is not generally listed. Therefore, CBD oil or capsules based on CBD could be a legal option for UK adults suffering from ADHD looking for alternative treatments.
Whether Cannabis Helps Or Hurts ADHD Patients
Whether cannabis is helpful or harmful to ADHD patients cannot be answered definitively. While cannabis, specifically CBD, may provide relief to some individuals with ADHD by reducing their anxiety and helping to improve their sleep, there are several adverse effects to consuming THC, such as impaired cognitive abilities and the possibility of dependence.