Cannabis May Treat Symptoms of ADHD, Finds New Study

Cannabis May Treat Symptoms of ADHD, Finds New Study

Cannabis may provide an effective and safe treatment option for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study published by the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology.

“Adults with ADHD describe self-medicating with cannabis, with some reporting a preference for cannabis over ADHD medications”, begins the study’s abstract, which was e-published ahead of print by the U.S. National Institute of Health. “A small number of psychiatrists in the US prescribe cannabis medication for ADHD, despite there being no evidence from randomised controlled studies.”

The current study – the EMA-C trial (Experimental Medicine in ADHD-Cannabinoids) – “was a pilot randomised placebo-controlled experimental study of a cannabinoid medication, Sativex Oromucosal Spray, in 30 adults with ADHD.”

In the study, “Sativex was associated with a nominally significant improvement in hyperactivity/impulsivity and a cognitive measure of inhibition, and a trend towards improvement for inattention”.

Researchers states that; “Adults with ADHD may represent a subgroup of individuals who experience a reduction of symptoms and no cognitive impairments following cannabinoid use.” While not definitive, “this study provides preliminary evidence supporting the self-medication theory of cannabis use in ADHD and the need for further studies of the endocannabinoid system in ADHD.”

Click here for the full study, conducted at Kings College London.