Autism and CBD

Parents who have given their children CBD report a calming effect.

So far we do not have CBD studies done specifically for the treatment of autistic children, but we do have studies that indicate benefit of CBD for reduction of seizures in children. Sadly about 30% of autistic children suffer from seizures. Some of the prescribed antipsychotic medications decrease the threshold for seizure, contributing to greater incidence. A trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures noted a 50% reduction in epileptic events (1). Of the human studies that have been done, there have been no significant side effects reported with the use of CBD.

Antipsychotic medications are often prescribed to help cope with the symptoms associated with autism. Apart from increased seizure risk, side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, stomach pain, and weight gain. Many criticize the medications for being too strong and turning kids with social disabilities into zombies. The antipsychotic medication, Haloperidol has been associated with dyskinesia, which involves abnormal, uncontrolled, involuntary movement (2). Laboratory rodents and human studies have shown that cannabinoids prevent psychotic-like symptoms (9).

Like cancer, the cause of autism appears to be multifactorial. Genetics and environmental factors have been associated. Some parents report that after vaccinations they notice a significant change in mood and behavior. It is challenging to know for certain what is the cause as some studies have been conflicting.

The diagnosis of autism is based on clinical observation, substantiated by standardized testing. There is no blood test at this point to confirm diagnosis of autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex behavioral condition with onset during early childhood and a lifelong course in the vast majority of cases. It is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, as well as by stereotypic repetitive behaviors, restricted patterns of interest, and abnormal sensory issues (8). This can include severe sensitivity to light and sounds.

What we do know is that the human body has an endocannabioid system. Cells in the body have receptors for cannabinoids (CB). Data indicates CB2 receptors as a potential therapeutic target for the pharmacological management of the autism care (3).

The endocannabinoid system controls emotional responses (4), behavioral reactivity (5), and social interaction (6). It has been clearly documented that endocannabinoid signaling plays a key role in many human health and disease conditions of the central nervous system. There is promising evidence that cannabinoids benefit those with psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and neuroinflammatory disorders (7).

Beneficial effects of cannabidiol (CBD) have been described for a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, psychosis, and depression. CBD reduces anxiety through its mediation of the neurotransmitter GABA (10).

“CBD is a GABA-uptake inhibitor, meaning that it creates a surplus of GABA in the brain, which results in a quieting and calming effect” say Dr. Junella Chin, who has been specializing in integrative cannabis medicine for more than 15 years, and has seen patients successfully use CBD oil to replace Xanax.

CBD is a gentle approach for addressing symptoms associated with autism.

There are a lot of options to choose from now a days, and some brands are not true to their label. Reliable brands include American Shaman and Irie CBD that are third party tested to ensure quality and safety. Industrial hemp oil (the source of CBD) is legal in all 50 states because it contains 0.3% THC (not enough to produce a psychoactive effect).

As for CBD dosing, it can be a bit of an experiment, but parents report it to be well worth it. Irie CBD Kids blend suggests 1-2 drops per 10 lbs of body weight taken 1-3 times a day, with or without food. (There are about 30 drops in a dropperful. Irie Kids blend is about 8 mg CBD per dropperful).

For quality CBD products

https://cbdcanvas.com/shop-products/

Resources:

1. Orrin Devinsky, M.D., et al. Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. N Engl J Med 2017; 376:2011-2020

2. Perry R, et al. Long-term efficacy of haloperidol in autistic children: continuous versus discontinuous drug administration. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1989 Jan; 28(1):87-92.

3. Siniscalco D, et al. Cannabinoid receptor type 2, but not type 1, is up-regulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children affected by autistic disorders. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 Nov;43(11):2686-95.

4. Marco EM, Scattoni ML, Rapino C, et al. Emotional, endocrine and brain anandamide response to social challenge in infant male rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013;38:2152-2162.

5. Sciolino NR, Bortolato M, Eisenstein SA, et al. Social isolation and chronic handling alter endocannabinoid signaling and behavioral reactivity to context in adult rats. Neuroscience 2010;168:371-386.

6. Marco EM, Rapino C, Caprioli A, Borsini F, Maccarrone M, Laviola G. Social encounter with a novel partner in adolescent rats: activation of the central endocannabinoid system. Behav Brain Res 2011;220:140-145.

7. Bhismadev Chakrabarti, et al. Endocannabinoid Signaling in Autism. Neurotherapeutics October 2015, Volume 12, Issue 4, pp 837–847

8. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, VA, 2013.

9. Zuardi AW, et al. A critical review of the antipsychotic effects of cannabidiol: 30 years of a translational investigation. Curr Pharm Des. 2012;18(32):5131-40.

10. Campos AC, et al. Plastic and Neuroprotective Mechanisms Involved in the Therapeutic Effects of Cannabidiol in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Pharmacol. 2017 May 23;8:269.