Can CBD oil treat ADHD in children? Some studies have suggested that CBD can be beneficial in treating ADHD in children. First and foremost, CBD, unlike THC, is non-psychoactive and can be considered safe for kids because it doesn’t alter mental function. And as long as the amount of CBD intake is monitored by a doctor, it can be a promising alternative in the battle against ADHD. Most Americans grapple with the opioid crisis because prescription stimulants like Vyvanse that college students use for late-night studies and children for ADHD come with numerous undesired side effects. But recent studies and clinical trials have revealed that CBD oil may be the missing puzzle in treating ADHD in children. That said, let’s examine how CBD could help replace conventional prescription medications for ADHD, including the science behind it.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects children and could continue into adulthood and is characterized by a combination of issues such as impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying or sustaining attention. Kids with this condition often suffer from secondary consequences such as poor performance in school, low self-esteem, and problems sustaining relationships. And while symptoms tend to lessen with age, some people find it difficult to outgrow the symptoms.
In the past few years, CBD has shown promising signs that could be beneficial in alleviating or easing symptoms of ADHD, such as lack of attention and memory issues. In this regard, CBD has been proven to work with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate various bodily functions such as memory, mood, and anxiety. Besides, CBD oil is the extract of the Cannabis Sativa plant that is non-psychoactive, which means kids can use it without suffering the mind-altering effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana.
That said, it is no surprise that people are exploring how CBD can be used to treat ADHD in children. ADHD is diagnosed in kids at an early age, but as they grow, they can learn strategies to help them cope or outgrow the symptoms. CBD oil has not been identified as the real cure for ADHD, but studies suggest it can help deal with symptoms. Traditionally, ADHD has been managed typically by using prescription medications and behavioral therapies. When diagnosed at an early stage, treatment can go a long way in alleviating symptoms.
How ADHD affects Children: A Closer Look
As stated earlier, most people get diagnosed with this condition in childhood, but the symptoms are less with age. Doctors often deal with ADHD by prescribing medications such as Concerta, Vyvanse, Adderall, and Ritalin. The medications mentioned above stimulate the brain and have varying degrees of success in treating ADHD symptoms. However, they do come with numerous undesired side effects that can harm children.
Primarily, ADHD affects the kids’ functional skills that include the ability to concentrate, payor sustain attention, memory, learning from mistakes, hyperactivity, social skills, motivation, and the skill of organization. The skills above often manifest themselves when the kid is between 6 and 12 years – probably the reason ADHD is considered a childhood disorder. And according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Organization, ADHD is an umbrella term for three afflictions, namely:
- Hyperactivity refers to the state in which the child is constantly wild or frequently out of control.
- Inattentive – this is the state in which the kid is having trouble paying attention.
- Inability to combine tasks because of dysfunctional signaling in the brain.
CBD, for its ability to interact with the CB1 receptors in the brain, spine, and the central nervous system, can activate such receptors and help stimulate the deep mind, which is responsible for memory, mood, thought process, and anxiety – which are all issues, kids, with ADHD experience. And while conventional medications such as Vyvanse can help manage symptoms, they can come with extremely dangerous side effects that include but are not limited to:
- Paranoia.
- Dizziness.
- Insomnia.
- Hypertension.
- It increased heart rate.
Diagnosis of ADHD: When to See the Doctor
As mentioned earlier, ADHD is considered a childhood disorder and is often diagnosed between six and 12. Teachers often notice this when they evaluate the kid’s ability to concentrate, get organized, or pay attention in class. But for parents at home, the following are the primary indicators that a child is probably having ADHD and should see the doctor:
- Difficulty in performing small tasks like homework.
- Getting easily distracted.
- Extremely short attention spans.
- Inability to read or interpret social cues.
- Excessively or frequently fidgeting.
Early diagnosis can help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. And when a kid is diagnosed with this condition, the priority treatment mechanism offered by doctors is therapy. And while prescription medications like opioids ease symptoms, they can carry severe side effects. Luckily, CBD oil can help the most vulnerable people to ADHD as long as a doctor monitors intake.
Is CBD Safe for Children with ADHD?
Is CBD safe for children? For starters, CBD is non-psychoactive and therefore lacks brain-altering capabilities, making it safe for kids. Besides, it is popular in managing sleeplessness, anxiety, and pain in both kids and adults. Even FDA-approved medications such as Epidiolex, which contains traces of CBD, treat seizures in kids with certain types of epilepsy. Currently, it has no known side effects. And while research is still at the preliminary stage, CBD is already being promoted as an alternative treatment for childhood disorders such as ADHD.
The Benefits of CBD Oil for ADHD in Children
Overall, CBD oil has numerous therapeutic benefits for several health conditions. CBD stimulates the body’s endocannabinoid system that regulates most body functions. And in doing so, it can potentially alleviate many symptoms. That said, the following are some of the benefits of using CBD Oil for ADHD:
- CBD oil helps with memory, and anxiety issues, which boosts children’s ability to pay attention.
- CBD relieves stress and anxiety to boost concentration.
- CBD oil can help boost sleep and eliminate restlessness.
CBD, unlike prescription medications, has no known side effects as long as it is used correctly.
MS, University of Latvia
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
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