Oral Cannabidiol Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-morbidities

Abstract

Objective: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly exhibit comorbid symptoms such as aggression, hyperactivity and anxiety. Several studies are being conducted worldwide on cannabidiol use in ASD; however, these studies are still ongoing, and data on the effects of its use is very limited. In this study we aimed to report the experience of parents who administer, under supervision, oral cannabinoids to their children with ASD.Methods: After obtaining a license from the Israeli Ministry of Health, parents of children with ASD were instructed by a nurse practitioner how to administer oral drops of cannabidiol oil. Information on comorbid symptoms and safety was prospectively recorded biweekly during follow-up interviews. An independent group of specialists analyzed these data for changes in ASD symptoms and drug safety.Results: 53 children at a median age of 11 (4–22) year received cannabidiol for a median duration of 66 days (30–588). Self-injury and rage attacks (n = 34) improved in 67.6% and worsened in 8.8%. Hyperactivity symptoms (n = 38) improved in 68.4%, did not change in 28.9% and worsened in 2.6%. Sleep problems (n = 21) improved in 71.4% and worsened in 4.7%. Anxiety (n = 17) improved in 47.1% and worsened in 23.5%. Adverse effects, mostly somnolence and change in appetite were mild.Conclusion: Parents’ reports suggest that cannabidiol may improve ASD comorbidity symptoms; however, the long-term effects should be evaluated in large scale studies.

Cannabinoids for People with ASD: A Systematic Review of Published and Ongoing Studies

“…Participants were mainly children, even if in two studies there were mixed samples [53,54]. The three studies conducted by Pretzsch and colleagues [55][56][57] included only adults with normal cognitive abilities (IQ>70).…”

Medicinal Use of Cannabis in Children and Pregnant Women

“…Fifty-three children at a median age of 11 (range 4-22) years received cannabis and were followed up for changes in ASD-related symptoms. 3 Median treatment duration was 66 days (range 30-588); median daily CBD and THC doses were 90 mg (range 1.5-315) and 6.75 mg (range 0.5-49.5) mg, respectively. The parents reported a notable improvement in selfinjury and rage attacks, hyperactivity, sleep problems, anxiety and mood problems, and social communication and reciprocity issues (Table 1).…”

O Autismo E Suas Conexões: Qual Medicação Para O Autista?

“…Esse sistema também está envolvido na modulação da liberação de ocitocina e vasopressina, que, por sua vez, atuam modulando comportamentos sociais. Até o presente momento, o uso de canabinoides para o manejo de sintomas de TEA se baseia em relatos de casos ou ensaios clínicos abertos, não controlados, e com número restrito de participantes (Barchel et al, 2019). Nesses casos, o canabinoide de escolha tem sido o dronabinol, formulação sintética do tetraidrocanabinol (THC), já em uso entre adultos, para o controle da náusea associada à quimioterapia, redução da hipertonia e da dor neuropática em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (Koppel et al, 2014).…”