Hemp oil and CBD alleviate symptoms of autism in children
It has been difficult to find appropriate treatments to improve symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Yet, anecdotally, some reports have shown that treatment with various cannabis oils has alleviated various symptoms of ASD.
Today, a new study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University in the Negev and Soroka University Medical Center in Israel shows that cannabis as a treatment for ASD appears to be a well-tolerated, safe and effective option for relieve symptoms including seizures, tics, depression, agitation and temper tantrums in a group of patients 18 years of age and younger.
The results of the new study have been published recently in Scientific Reports in an article entitled " Real Life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism ": Analysis of safety and efficacy. "Additionally, the researchers reported that" overall, more than 80% of parents reported significant improvement or moderate in their child ", according to Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider, principal investigator of the study.
“Although the study suggests that cannabis therapy is safe and may improve symptoms in autistic patients as well as quality of life, we believe that double placebo studies are essential for a better understanding of the effect of cannabis. on patients with ASD, ”said the Professor Novak .
Other researchers participating in the study such as Raphael Mechoulam from the Hebrew University and Naama Saban Tikkun Olam's research department also draw conclusions.
ASD is a pervasive developmental disorder that manifests itself in almost all dimensions of childhood development. It is now common to refer to this disorder as a broad spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) with varying manifestations and symptoms.
"We analyzed data collected retrospectively from the treatment program of 188 patients with ASD treated with medical cannabis between 2015 and 2017," said Gal Meiri, author of the study. Negev Autism Center. “The treatment of the majority of patients was based on cannabis oil containing 30%cannabidiol oil (CBD) and 1,5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Symptoms, overall patient assessment, and side effects at six months were the primary outcomes of interest and were assessed by structured questionnaires. "
Surprisingly, after six months of treatment, 30% of patients reported significant improvement, 53,7% moderate improvement, and only 15% experienced little or no change.
Additionally, patients reported that quality of life, mood, and ability to perform activities of daily living were assessed before treatment and after six months. A good quality of life was reported by 31,3% of patients before the start of treatment. After six months, the quality of life more than doubled to 66,8%. Positive mood was 42% before treatment and 63,5% after six months.
The ability to dress and shower independently has improved significantly compared to treatment with cannabis. Only a quarter (26,4%) reported no difficulty before treatment, while 42,9% improved their ability to dress and shower independently after six months.
Medicines made from cannabis oil also significantly improved sleep and concentration. Sleep and concentration rates were 3,3% and 0% at the start of treatment, respectively, compared to 24,7% and 14% during active treatment.
Although the researchers were encouraged by their findings, they cautioned against overinterpreting the results or self-medication, as larger, controlled studies are needed to determine whether these results will be valid in a large population.
