CBD Oil for ADHD: A New Alternative?

ADHD is among the most common developmental disorders among Americans. Afflicting 6.1 million children across America alone and numbers climbing every day, the medical industry is scrambling to find a solution. New research and trials have shown the potential of CBD oil for ADHD being a possible remedy. Check out what we have to say about the interaction and possibility of CBD oil for ADHD becoming a viable option.

CBD Oil for ADHD: Roughly 1 in 20 Americans Have ADHD

Amphetamines – the most common ADHD class of medications carry many health risks and side-effects CBD presents a safer, less intense alternative to established ADHD medications ADHD presents a mild to severe hurdle in developing youth. Where focus and concentration are important aspects to school, sports, jobs, and even social settings, a significant barrier lies in the way of millions of people. With only a few methods of treating the affliction available, many find difficulties in relief through these treatments.

CBD Oil for ADHD: What Exactly is ADHD?

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is a relatively common neurodevelopmental disorder. No single cause has been found to be responsible for ADHD, which makes finding a solution difficult. It’s often debated that ADHD is caused by genetics, environmental factors, and pregnancy problems.

CBD Oil for ADHD: Symptoms of ADHD include:

– Restlessness

– Insomnia/difficulty sleeping

– Anxiety

– Behavioral misconduct

– Inattention

– Hyperactivity

– Impulsivity

Roughly 9.4% of people aged 2-17 years old were found to have been diagnosed with ADHD, with many never having been formally diagnosed before. This equates to roughly 1-3 students per classroom. While some youth develop past the disorder, roughly 4-5% of Americans carry it onto their adult lives. This affects daily life in a variety of ways; performance at work, school, personal relationships, and sleep are all negatively impacted by ADHD in adulthood, causing stress and quality of life ramifications across the board

Nearly 2 out of 3 children with ADHD have at least one other emotional, physical, or developmental disorder. Around 1 of 2 children with ADHD have a behavioral problem.

Around 1 of 3 children diagnosed with ADHD struggle with anxiety.

All three of these correlate towards poor performance in academics, sport, and social settings which impact a person’s life. Furthermore, ADHD severely affects developmental maturity. Dr. Russell Barkley suggests the development may be impeded by up to 30%, meaning a 16-year-old may have the emotional maturity of an 11-year-old.

CBD Oil for ADHD: What’s Being Used to Treat ADHD Right Now?

Three main treatments for ADHD currently exist: stimulating medication, non-stimulating ADHD drugs, and behavioral therapy. Of these three treatments, stimulating meds are by far the most common with the highest success rate. Of the millions of people diagnosed with ADHD, 62% of children with ADHD were prescribed medications to alleviate the symptoms. The most common ADHD medications include Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Concerta by brand name. They each contain one or more of the drugs: Amphetamine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and lisdexamfetamine. The amphetamine class of drugs is quite powerful yet effective at alleviating the expressed symptoms. However, the evidence of their neurotoxicity and side effects are well known yet commonly dismissed.

CBD Oil for ADHD: Common Side Effects of These Medications Include:

– Insomnia

– Reduced appetite

– Difficulties sleeping

– Anxiety

– Potential for addiction

– Emotional instability

– Neurotoxicity with prolonged use

Many other side effects are present with these drugs, and it’s no small note that long term and overuse of ADHD medications can lead to dependence, addiction, and even reduced cognitive function. Recreational use is frequently seen among youth and young adults as well.

An alternative to the powerful yet side-effect riddled drugs, CBD poses a formidable potential in the ability to treat ADHD in a much tamer approach.

CBD Oil for ADHD: How is CBD oil for ADHD Any Better?

CBD has a laundry list of medical and therapeutic benefits associated with it. Coincidentally, many of its benefits counteract plenty of the symptoms of ADHD and its associating medications including:

– Anxiety

– Restlessness

– Insomnia/sleeping problems

– Lack of appetite

– Aggravation

– Inattention

Insomnia and restlessness, a common side effect of ADHD, is exacerbated by stimulating prescriptions. CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to help combat restlessness and difficulty sleeping without using powerful sedatives, benzodiazepines, or sleeping pills.

Another symptom expressed by ADHD and worsened by its related prescriptions is anxiety. Posing a significant challenge for developing children and teens where social skills are still being developed, CBD has been shown to reduce symptoms of misbehavior related to ADHD and autism.

By not only not presenting a reduction in unwanted side effects from common prescription drugs, CBD shows more affinity to reducing the symptoms created by ADHD. With this set of information being known and deeply studied currently, we may see a therapy using CBD oil for ADHD becoming viable.

CBD Oil for ADHD: How Exactly Does CBD Work in Treating ADHD?

While the exact mechanism of which ADHD works upon is still rather unknown, advancements have shown ADHD to be a physical neurological disorder involving malfunctioning neural networks and underdeveloped regions of the brain. ADHD is supposedly linked to poorly functioning dopamine, serotonergic, and norepinephrine receptor sties.

CBD works on the endocannabinoid network in the brain, primarily at the CB1 and CB2 receptor sites. These receptor sites don’t interact with the DA, SA, and NE sites directly, allowing them to function as normal.

ADHD drugs like amphetamine operate directly on these sites, potentially causing problems after long-term, repeated use. Through a series of complex biological process, CBD quells a lot of hyperactivity both cognitively and physically. As an anti-spasmodic, CBD halts uncontrollable tremors and seizures, while its anxiolytic properties suppress nervousness and anxiety. Allowing the brain to function in less of a haywire method, subjects may regain the ability to focus, relax, and wind down in a variety of situations rather than their focus being scrambled around.

CBD Oil for ADHD: Will Cannabis Be the Cure for ADHD?

CBD oil for ADHD isn’t a magic cure by any means and it doesn’t fully address the underlying cause. Research is still being done both on cannabinoids and ADHD and their exact functions on the brain. Only time will tell how effective CBD is at treating neurological disorders, and hopefully, some more convincing evidence pops up soon. From treatment of epileptic episodes to anxiety relief, CBD has gained itself quite a spotlight in the medical world and it’s only a matter of time until we see how much potential it has so far.

CBD oil for ADHD is a rather new concept only explored in recent years. On average, it takes a drug over 12 years to go from development to market and millions of dollars in function, trials, and research. In fact, the DEA has only in the last 3 years given the green light towards CBD being researched. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to see any changes occur within the next couple years, however with the speed and traction that cannabinoid-derived therapies are moving at, we might be in for a surprise.