ty and health-related quality of life
Uncovering the Hidden Medicinal Potential of Cannabis: Could it Help with ADHD?
When it comes to medical benefits, cannabis is often associated with its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and sedative properties. But did you know that researchers are now exploring the full potential of this versatile plant beyond its common uses? And it’s not just for the usual qualifying medical conditions.
A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology Reports has found that medical cannabis may actually be beneficial for people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But not for the reasons you might think. Instead of improving focus and attention, researchers discovered that cannabis use led to improvements in anxiety, sleep quality, and overall quality of life for participants.
While the results are not conclusive, the findings are significant enough to spark further research on the potential of cannabis for treating ADHD. The team of UK-based researchers aimed to assess the health-related quality of life and safety outcomes in ADHD patients treated with cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs).
According to the study, ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults globally. In the US, the number of ADHD diagnoses has been on the rise, with a 42% increase in children and a staggering 123% increase in adults between 2003 and 2016.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that is commonly associated with issues such as focus, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulties in managing relationships. It is also linked to sleep disturbances and other co-morbidities like anxiety and depression. As a neurodivergent condition, ADHD is characterized by a natural variation in how the brain processes information.
Current treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of psychological therapies and medications, including stimulants and non-stimulants. However, these medications can come with unwanted side effects that may hinder long-term use.
Researchers note that the endocannabinoid system, which is directly affected by cannabinoids like THC and CBD, plays a crucial role in cognitive function, motor coordination, and homeostasis. This suggests that medical cannabis could potentially be useful in treating symptoms associated with ADHD.
To examine the impact of cannabis use on ADHD, researchers tracked data from 68 patients in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry (UKMCR) and collected patient-recorded outcome measures at one, three, six, and 12 months from baseline. Interestingly, 80% of the participants were already using cannabis before starting treatment.
At each follow-up, patients completed surveys on the severity of their generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. While more research is needed, these findings provide promising evidence for the potential of cannabis in managing ADHD symptoms.
