Is the Use of CBD Oil in Treating ADHD Possible?

There is not enough research that CBD can treat ADHD, but some suggest it can treat its symptoms. This article explains what CBD is, CBD oil and ADHD, the dosage for CBD oil and how to take CBD oil for ADHD.

CBD has been shown to have many therapeutic benefits for the human body. This has made many people turn to CBD to benefit from it. It is safe for human consumption, both for adults and children. Due to its potential to treat various conditions, some believe it can help treat ADHD. There is not enough research that CBD can treat this condition, but it can reduce its symptoms. This disorder is among the popular mental disorders affecting children and can go on to adulthood.

What Is CBD

McAllister et al. (2015) state that CBD is a non-psychoactive substance from cannabis sativa plants. It is among many compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. It does not have euphoric effects, unlike THC, which is accountable for making individuals feel high. CBD has calming properties that make individuals relax after a long day. Many people have been turning to CBD since it can help them treat various conditions like insomnia, pain, anxiety, stress and depression. Cannabidiol comes in different forms, including CBD vapes, topicals and edibles, where individuals choose the best for them. They all deliver CBD to the body. Their main difference is the way they are consumed and their bioavailability. CBD is legal in the UK, provided it has THC levels below 0.2%. Individuals can purchase and consume CBD products freely. There are three types of cannabidiol, broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD is considered the best since it contains traces of THC, making it more effective and stronger. However, some users do not like THC. Consuming CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD is the better option.

CBD Oil And ADHD

CBD has been known for treating many conditions in the body. It is a drug that does not make individuals feel high and is not addictive. There is not enough research if CBD can treat ADHD. Still, there is little evidence that CBD can help improve anxiety disorders, depressive symptoms and disorders, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, Tourette syndrome and hyperactivity disorder. CBD cannot cure ADHD but can help treat some of its symptoms. Individuals with ADHD frequently experience an inability to alert, complete exhaustion, burnout and lack of motivation because of recurring stress. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to reduce some of the symptoms. The Endocannabinoid system is accountable for controlling functions in the body like immune response, appetite, sleep, and mental disorders such as anxiety, stress and pain. CBD interacts with the system to make its functions more effective. CBD attaches itself to the cannabinoid receptors, where they send the signal to the endocannabinoid system. A small study was conducted on individuals having ADHD. A standardized test evaluated the patients' IQ performance and symptom level. Most of the individuals reported improvements in their symptoms. CBD has been known to reduce mental disorders like anxiety, depression and stress. These are some of the symptoms that people have ADHD experience. According to García-Gutiérrez et al. (2020), CBD increases the serotonin level, making individuals experience anxiety relief. According to Skelley et al. (2020), CBD reduces anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Cannabidiol also has anti-depressant properties that make it ideal for addressing depression. Patients having ADHD have a problem with being alert. It makes them experience difficulties in concentrating on either studies or work. Taking a few drops of cannabidiol oil may help them stay focused and alert throughout the day. This enables them to perform their activities well and be very productive. Other symptoms of this disorder include impulsivity and hyperactivity. Consuming CBD oil every day can help control these symptoms. The research found that large amounts of CBD improved the symptoms of ADHD in adults. CBD also improves sleep for people suffering from this disorder. Like any other mental disorder, they may experience difficulties in sleeping. According to Moltke & Hindocha (2021), CBD makes them relax and calm after a long and tiring day, preparing them to fall asleep more easily. It also reduces factors that can make them not sleep, like anxiety, stress and depression. When the mind is not relaxed, individuals can experience insomnia. CBD works to reduce these disorders hence creating a good environment for them to fall asleep.

Dosage For CBD Oil To Treat ADHD

There is no specific dosage to treat ADHD since people are different in various ways. The dosage depends on factors such as metabolism, body chemistry, body weight and many others. Individuals can determine the right dosage by starting with a small one. CBD, like any drug, has its side effects. Starting at low will enable individuals to know how the body responds to CBD. Not every individual cannabidiol tolerates their body well. When the body responds well and does not see any improvements to its condition, it should gradually increase the dosage. By doing this for at least a week, they will be able to get the right dosage that suits their needs well. Consulting a healthcare provider is very important before consuming any CBD product. The doctor will help you determine the right dosage you should start with and help you get the right CBD for your condition.

How To Take CBD Oil For ADHD

There are different ways to consume CBD, and individuals should choose the one that suits them well. Some individuals prefer taking CBD oil sublingually. This involves putting drops of cannabidiol oil underneath the tongue using a dropper. They should hold it for a minute until it gets well absorbed. It is absorbed through the sublingual glands and then enters the bloodstream. It is a fast method to consume CBD. It starts showing effects within 15 to 30 minutes.

Some individuals dislike the earthly taste of CBD, so they add cannabidiol to their drinks like tea, coffee or any other drink of their favourite. They enjoy taking their drink while enjoying the benefits of CBD. Edibles are another way to take CBD. It is a good way to go, especially for individuals who dislike CBD's taste. Edibles come in different flavours, and individuals enjoy consuming them. They are the best for people who are new to the CBD world.

Conclusion

There is not enough research that CBD oil can treat ADHD, but some claim it can help treat its symptoms. CBD helps reduce mental disorders like stress, anxiety and depression. It increases the level of serotonin in the body, where they start experiencing improvements in their anxiety. CBD makes people suffering from this condition stay alert and focused throughout the day when taken in the morning. It also helps them relax after a long and tiring day, making them fall asleep more easily. Taking a few drops of oil a few hours before bed can be very important.

References

García-Gutiérrez, M. S., Navarrete, F., Gasparyan, A., Austrich-Olivares, A., Sala, F., & Manzanares, J. (2020). Cannabidiol: a potential new alternative for treating anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. Biomolecules, 10(11), 1575.

McAllister, S. D., Soroceanu, L., & Desprez, P. Y. (2015). The antitumor activity of plant-derived non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology, 10(2), 255-267.

Moltke, J., & Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 1-12.

Skelley, J. W., Deas, C. M., Curren, Z., & Ennis, J. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261.