Scientists are stunned.
A new study suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, may provide therapeutic benefits for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to findings presented at the European Congress of Psychiatry in Madrid, CBD showed potential in enhancing social interaction, reducing disruptive behavior, and easing anxiety in young individuals with autism.
Dr. Lara Branco, a psychiatrist from the University of São Paulo in Brazil and the study’s lead author, noted the growing prevalence of autism diagnoses among children and adolescents globally. She emphasized the lack of consistently effective treatment options for ASD and expressed optimism about the promising effects observed with CBD-based interventions in the study.
The researchers conducted a meta-analysis using data from three earlier clinical trials involving a total of 276 children with autism, with an average age of around 10 years. While CBD is the second most common compound found in cannabis, it does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Scientists believe it works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors distributed throughout the brain and body.
Results from the study showed that children who received CBD were generally calmer, more engaged socially, and experienced reduced anxiety levels. There were also indications of improved sleep among participants, though those findings did not reach statistical significance. These improvements, while encouraging, are not yet conclusive.
Dr. Geert Dom, president of the European Psychiatric Association, highlighted the ongoing challenges in treating ASD and the hope that CBD may represent a future avenue for relief. However, Dr. Branco cautioned that while early results are encouraging, additional large-scale studies are necessary to better understand CBD’s effectiveness and ensure its safety before it can be widely recommended as a treatment for autism.
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