Can the Use of CBD Treat Severe Behaviors in Autistic Boys?
Can use of CBD treat severe behaviors in autistic boys? Well, research at the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at University of California San Diego School of Medicine wanted to find out. Their study found that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis, may reduce problematic behaviors in autistic boys. The results provide insights into the potential benefits and limitations of CBD as a treatment for autism.
The study, was published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and led by UC San Diego School of Medicine distinguished professors Doris Trauner, M.D., in the Departments of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, and Igor Grant, M.D., in the Department of Psychiatry. The results were mixed and demanded further studies.
Why Study CBD as a Treatment for Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neuro-developmental condition. It is characterized by social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. In severe cases, these behaviors can also include seizures, self-injury and aggression. Existing treatments can help manage these symptoms, but there is a pressing need for effective and safe treatments to address the needs of autistic individuals, without the harmful side effects of current drugs.
Prior studies suggested that CBD could help reduce problematic behaviors in children with autism. However, no controlled clinical trials have addressed safety, tolerability and efficacy of this treatment approach until now.
This Study is Different
This study was different because it looked into safety, efficasy, and tolerability of the CBD. In the trial, autistic boys with severe behavior problems aged 7–14 years were split into two groups. One received eight weeks of daily CBD then eight weeks of placebo, separated by a four-week “washout” period in which no treatment was given. The other group received placebo first, then CBD. Behavioral assessments were completed before and after each treatment phase. A total of 30 participants completed the trial.
The researchers found:
- CBD was safe and well-tolerated in boys with severe autism and behavioral problems. The participants were able to easily take the drug and there were no serious adverse events.
- No significant differences were found between CBD and placebo on broad measures of behavior. Clinician impressions suggested that approximately two-thirds of participants showed evidence of clinical improvement with CBD.
- Aggressive behaviors and hyperactivity were reduced and observed most frequently by clinicians, with improvements in communication seen in 30% of participants.
- Both groups showed improvements during the study, however, demonstrated a strong placebo effect, the CBD group generally showed greater improvement than the placebo group.
Results of the CBD Study
The results of the CBD study suggest that while CBD may have some benefits in reducing problematic behaviors in autistic children, its effectiveness is not universally established, and more research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential. The study’s results also underscore the importance of rigorous, controlled trials in evaluating the efficacy of novel treatments for autism. Look at other cannabis research.