CBD is an emerging supplement that’s generating a lot of buzz due to its therapeutic properties and anecdotal claims of being effective against chronic pain, anxiety, ADHD, diabetes, seizure disorders, auto-immune disorders and other chronic conditions. In the scientific and medical communities, the therapeutic and neuroprotective properties of CBD is a hot topic because studies are still being conducted to establish a strong connection and correlation of these effects through case-control trials, experimental samples and different phases of human trials for CBD administration.
The studies on the efficacy of CBD in treating the symptoms of ADHD are still relatively new, and need careful evaluation and interpretation. Thus, while there is no established and firm supporting evidence of the potency and effectivity of CBD for the treatment of ADHD and its symptoms, there are advantages and disadvantages of using this health supplement. CBD oil and its sublingual administration are considered as one of the most potent variants of the CBD and the most effective method of administration, respectively. We will examine what are the pros and cons of using CBD oil in the treatment of ADHD.
Pros
First off, let us explore the benefits and therapeutic claims of CBD oil for ADHD. While there are some recently conducted studies that have established evidence in support of efficacy using CBD for ADHD treatment, there still needs to be a significant relationship that has to be established to support this claim. Thus, other studies are still underway, which are being conducted on a larger population. Gathering results from recent studies, we’ll tackle the benefits of CBD oil below.
CBD Oil Helps Relieve Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Hyperactivity and impulsivity are the hallmark qualities of ADHD. People with this condition have trouble concentrating, paying attention, staying organized and remembering details. Studies conducted in 2013 were able to establish the efficacy of daily and regular administration of CBD oil in managing hyperactivity and impulsivity. Compared to ADHD patients without CBD oil treatment, those that regularly received the treatment performed better on tasks which involves concentration and attention. While the experimental population of the study was limited, it showed promising results that warrant a follow-up study on a larger population of ADHD patients. Also, CBD research can get its much-needed push with the undertaking crowdsourcing project on DidCBDWork.com website, which aims to collect an extensive volume of testimonials, medical research information and reports gathered from CBD user experiences from all over the world.
CBD Oil Helps Relieve Anxiety
Anxiety can be an aggravating condition that can affect people with ADHD. This can worsen the symptoms of ADHD. There are many sources of research showing the effectivity of CBD oil for anxiety relief. Relieving anxiety can help lessen the stress levels and the level of hyperactivity for people with ADHD. Further study is still warranted on how CBD oil can help minimize or lower the hallmark symptoms of ADHD.
CBD Oil Helps Relieve Sleep Disorders
Aside from disorders in hyperactivity and attention, ADHD can also affect the sleep patterns of these patients. Hyperactivity and overstimulation usually spills over until nighttime when it is supposed to be the sleeping time of children and adults with ADHD. As a result, sleep patterns are disrupted and may cause additional health problems. CBD oil can help stabilize the sleep patterns of ADHD patients, which is helpful in giving them a comfortable rest and refreshed feeling. Although not directly related to ADHD, keeping the sleep pattern stable can actually benefit the concentration and cognitive health of people with ADHD.
Cons
CBD oil has many health benefits and therapeutic properties, especially in the human central nervous system where CBD has a special reaction with the endocannabinoid system. Some studies have shown proof of the health effects of CBD, while other newer claims of health applications like ADHD treatment are still requiring further studies and more compelling results. Also, CBD’s reaction varies in every individual, and not all may have positive interaction with the substance.
CBD Oil Has Unestablished Manufacturing Regulation
CBD oil is not subject to the same strict and comprehensive regulations as medicines, which still leaves open the possibility of contamination and un-calibrated or uneven composition. CBD oil and other products may not contain the amount of CBD it claims, which could limit the potential therapeutic effect of the products. Manufacturers may advertise their CBD products as pure, such as 100% pure CBD oil, but could possibly contain other undisclosed ingredients such as THC, which may have serious implications in ADHD treatment.
CBD Oil Has Side Effects
Most medicines and even natural supplements and compounds can have unwanted or undesirable side effects. These effects vary from person to person and for those with medical conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. The common side effects include digestive issues, such as an upset stomach or nausea. Some individuals also experience drowsiness or headaches, especially when taking higher doses. The side effects may eventually go away with continued use as the person becomes used to the product.
CBD Oil Has Unstudied Long Term Effects
While many studies focus on the health benefits of CBD oil, there is a sparsity in the number of studies on the long-term effects and adverse reactions of the product. It is still unclear if CBD can affect hormones in the body, which may be a cause of concern for children and adolescents with ADHD. The long-term effects of CBD are something that should also be taken into consideration by scientific and medical researchers.
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to the therapeutic options for disorders like ADHD that currently don’t have a known cure. At best, the only way to make the lifestyle and health situation of ADHD sufferers better is to provide therapeutic agents that lessen the problematic symptoms with regular or daily intake. CBD oil is showing promise of therapeutic benefits, but the current scientific studies have not established a solid proof of its efficacy as of yet. The best person who can provide advice on the usage of this product will be your doctor.
