CBD hemp oil for children with ADHD - does it really work?

What research says

In one study of the efficacy of CBD for ADHD, patients taking CBD oil demonstrated a reduction in hyperactivity, had better sleep and increased concentration. The study, which took place in 2014 in Germany and was attended by 30 participants, was carried out by Dr. Eva Milz with the assistance of Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen. All 30 patients have not been shown to respond to drugs or conventional ADD / ADHD drugs. However, the response to CBD was positive.

In another study in 2013, CBD oil was presented to patients with their own medication. After some time, patients reported relief from the impulsiveness and hyperactivity characteristic of the attention deficit they had suffered. Thus, researchers have confirmed the benefits of using CBD.

How works CBD

When you consume CBD oil, its compounds act on 2 receptors. These receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, have a direct effect on specific parts of your body.

CB1 is more abundant in the brain and is directly related to epilepsy. CB2 is more abundant in the immune system. It is related to pain and inflammation.

If the body has all the necessary cannabinoids, it can have a number of benefits - including anxiety and hyperactivity reduction.

Why is CBD a good choice for ADD / ADHD treatment?

Both ADD and ADHD are characterized by low dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that controls the cognitive abilities of the brain, such as memory, attention level and mood. Low levels of this chemical cause attention disorder.

Cannabinoids have been shown to improve brain neurotransmitter transmission, dopamine, which helps improve cognitive processes. CBD helps increase the attention of ADHD patients by activating adenosine receptors in the brain, thereby reducing anxiety. It works to minimize the distraction and hyperactivity of ADHD patients. 

The properties of CBD to improve brain cognitive processes have made it useful for treating conditions other than attention deficit disorder. It can alleviate anxiety, pain and depression among other neurological problems.

CBD experience and ADHD treatment

A parent whose daughter was diagnosed with ADHD continued to treat CBD to help her daughter. The girl would have a hard time concentrating on tasks and also had a memory problem. A few days after treatment, the daughter showed significant improvements. She became more attentive, she could remember things better, and her anxiety wasn't as great as she used to be. She could also sleep better, and sleep was regular.

Eleven-year-old boy named Evin suffered from uncontrollable outbursts of anger and irritation. Sometimes he would be so angry that he would do things that could hurt him. After a few days of using CBD oil, he began to feel relaxed and less exasperated. His social life has also improved because he has been able to conduct conversations without resorting to arguments.

Omitting the daily dose of CBD, he noticed a gradual return of symptoms. CBD helped the boy handle the state of attention disorder at a level where his life returned to normal, without the usual anxiety, stress and anger. Most importantly, his mood improved, which helped him to work well with others.

Yet another little boy experienced a nasty mood and was constantly in trouble with his parents, siblings and friends. His parents had him examined by a doctor and diagnosed with ADD. This is the moment when he started taking CBD oil for this condition. A few days later he began to experience a reduction in symptoms. He became more vivid and focused on tasks better and longer. His parents attributed the improvement of CBD, which he took every day.

Potential advantages over traditional treatments

Traditional ADHD drugs fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants.

ADHD stimulating drugs are fast acting and widely used. In fact, 70 to 80 percent of American children use this type of treatment to address the symptoms of attention deficit disorder.

However, stimulant drugs are not without side effects. These include:

• insomnia
• anorexia
• weight loss
• headache
• dry mouth
• mood changes

CBD oil has only a few non-binding side effects. 

How to use CBD

CBD is available in several forms - CBD oils, CBD coconut oil, CBD vaporization, but also ghee butter with CBD, etc.

The most common product chosen is CBD oil and CBD coconut oil.

CBD vaporization is permitted from 18 years.

There are currently no formal guidelines on how to use CBD oils to treat traditional ADHD symptoms. This includes hyperactivity and irritability.

Researchers studied doses for related symptoms, such as anxiety. Although more research is needed, one research in 2017 suggests that a single dose of 600 milligrams may be sufficient to reduce anxiety.

If CBD is new for you, you should start with the smallest possible dose - about 25 milligrams. Gradually increasing the dose will allow the body to get used to the oil and reduce the risk of side effects.

Resource: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/cbd-oil-for-adhd 

Article author:

Alexandra Ribola