CBD Oil and Autism: What The Research Shows Us
CBD Oil and Autism: What The Research Shows Us
CBD oil cannot treat Autism, but it can help to reduce some of its symptoms. This article explains what CBD is, CBD oil and autism, how CBD work, and if it is safe for Autism.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition categorized by deficits in repetitive behavior, restricted interest, social interaction, and communication. Many people have been suffering from this disorder, but the medication has been approved to address behavioral and cognitive related to Autism. This disorder is related to medical disorders like deficiency and epilepsy. Despite this disorder having no cure, people have been looking for ways to reduce its symptoms. CBD has shown the potential to reduce the symptoms of Autism, making many people suffering from this disorder turn to it.
What Is CBD
Cannabidiol is among many compounds in the cannabis Sativa plant. It has many potential benefits, such as improved sleep and relief from pain, anxiety, stress, and addiction. It has three types: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD. The full spectrum contains all the cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa plants, including THC. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the compounds found in full-spectrum CBD except THC. However, CBD isolate has only pure CBD, no additional supplement. Among the three, full-spectrum CBD is considered the best treatment for various conditions. This is because it has THC traces, making it stronger and more effective. CBD comes in different. The best method depends on individuals’ preferences and needs. These include CBD vapes, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. CBD has an earthly, and for those who dislike the taste, CBD gummies and capsules are the way to go. Cannabidiol does not make individuals feel high since it does not have THC, and if any, it is in small amounts below 0.2% that cannot cause a euphoric effect. CBD and THC work together to bring about the entourage effect.
CBD Oil AndAutism
Autism is a condition that cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be reduced. Di Renzo et al. (2020) stated that these symptoms include repetitive behaviors, sensory dysfunction,social communication challenges, restlessness, sleep disorders, and aggressiveness. According toWindsor et al. (2020), some people used conventional treatments such as anxiolytics, stimulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and atypical antipsychotics. In recent studies, CBD has been suggested to have the potential to treat Autism. Cannabis has many compounds, such as THC, CBD, flavonoids, terpenes, and many others. THC binds with the cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system influencing memory, cognitive function, anxiety, and appetite.
Cannabidiol is antipsychotic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic. Cannabidiol is known to ease epilepsy in adults and some children with Autism. Fewer seizures can reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier socially interrelate. According to Laux et al. (2019), epidiolex is an approved CBD drug used to treat seizures like epilepsy in children. After observing the outcomes of CBD treatment on symptoms such as self-injurious behavior, tantrums, panic, aggression, and anxiety in children having epilepsy, parents turned to CBD for relief. Alsherbiny& Li (2018)showed that since there is not enough research on how CBD can treat the symptoms of Autism, people who took CBD oil for this disorder reported improvement. Individuals with Autism usually have lower levels of dopamine, serotonin, and anandamide. These are the receptors that are responsible for controlling moods. CBD works by increasing the levels of these hormones. This aids in enhancing the general mood and controlling cognitive processes in anxiety and stressful situations.
Sleep disorder is another symptom of Autism. CBD canimprove the quality and quantity of sleep. Individuals with Autism may experience difficulties in sleeping. CBD has calming effects that make individuals relax and calm. It helps people having this disorder feel relaxation in the entire body. When the body is relaxed, individuals can fall asleep easily. Other mental disorders, such as anxiety, can facilitate insomnia. CBD can potentially reduce these disorders, creating a good sleep environment. Consuming a few drops of CBD oil before bed can be very important to improve sleep.
How CBD Work
When individuals consume CBD either way, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This is the system in the body that is always active if consuming CBD or not. It plays an important role in controlling internal processes such as immune response, metabolism, sleep, and mood. The Endocannabinoid system has three main parts: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are molecules similar to CBD, made by the human body. Receptors are regions that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids can attach to. They are located throughout the body. These receptors are found in two primary types, including CB1 and CB2. CB1 cannabinoid receptors are located in the central nervous system. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are usually located in the peripheral nervous system. Enzymes play a major part in the body. They are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids after they have completed their work. THC is designed in a way that it can attach to both CB1 and CB2 receptors to arouse a variety of effects. However, cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently. Rather than attaching to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, it is believed that cannabidiol may inhibit endocannabinoids from being processed, which implies they have a greater impact on the human body.
Is Cannabidiol Safe for Autism
CBD is safe for human consumption, although it may trigger some side effects. Epidiolex is the only CBD drug that is approved for treating epilepsy. Other CBD products are not regulated, and individuals should be very careful when buying them. CBD does not make individuals high since it does not contain THC; if any, it is in small amounts. It has an excellent safety profile and is well tolerated. According to Huestis et al. (2019), the side effects individuals can experience after taking CBD products include fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness. CBD is also known to interact with other medications. Individuals should consult the doctor if they are under medications and want to consume CBD to avoid complications. The CBD industry is not regulated, and individuals can come across poor, high-quality products. It is up to them to ensure they get the best from them. Some of the products in the market may contain contaminants that may be unsafe for human consumption. Many manufacturers in the market are selling products at cheap prices and claiming to be the best. They do this to attract many customers. Some of these products are of poor quality, or the expiry date may be almost; hence they do this to clear their old store. Cheap prices should not be one of the factors to consider when buying any CBD product.
Conclusion
Autism is a condition that cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be minimized. CBD can treatself-injurious behavior, tantrums, panic, aggression, and anxiety. CBD increases serotonin levels, which aids in enhancing the general mood and controlling cognitive processes in anxiety and stressful situations. However, it is always good to consult the doctor before using CBD for Autism. Learn more about cbd oil for relaxation
References
Di Renzo, M., Di Castelbianco, F. B., Vanadia, E., Petrillo, M., D'Errico, S., Racinaro, L., & Rea, M. (2020). Parent-reported behavioral changes in children with autism spectrum disorder during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. Continuity in Education, 1(1).
Huestis, M. A., Solimini, R., Pichini, S., Pacifici, R., Carlier, J., & Busardò, F. P. (2019). Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity. Current neuropharmacology, 17(10), 974-989.
Laux, L. C., Bebin, E. M., Checketts, D., Chez, M., Flamini, R., Marsh, E. D., ...& CBD EAP study group. (2019). Long-term safety and efficacy of cannabidiol in children and adults with treatment-resistant Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome: Expanded access program results. Epilepsy research, 154, 13-20.
Windsor, R. B., Sierra, M., Zappitelli, M., & McDaniel, M. (2020). Beyond amitriptyline: a pediatric and adolescent oriented narrative review of the analgesic properties of psychotropic medications for treating complex pain and headache disorders. Children, 7(12), 268.
