How Does CBD Help Treat ADD/ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a highly hereditary neurodevelopmental condition that starts from childhood. In more than 50% of the cases, it continues into adulthood. It is more common in boys than in girls. The average diagnosis age is 7 years old. Apart from genetics, it can also be caused by chemical imbalance, brain changes and injury, and factors that affect the development of the brain at infancy. This condition is not curable or preventable. The best course of relief is effective management. 

How is it Traditionally Managed?

Management is done by stimulant or non-stimulant medication depending on the type of ADHD. There are also dietary supplements. Therapy has proved fairly effective through special education, behavior modification, and teaching of social skills. Psychotherapy is also necessary for both parents and the child. It helps them cope with the presence of the condition better. He child learns how not to be put down by the condition. They maintain a high self-esteem despite the horrible cards they have been dealt. The parents and guardians learn how to be patient. They learn how release frustrations in other ways that do not let the child feel responsible. 

Symptoms and Types

ADHD adults tend to have difficulty managing their time and being organized. They suffer frequent job loss and will have trouble maintaining relationships. Due to these reasons, they will suffer a low self-esteem. Thus, the importance of support groups. These allow them a platform on which to be truly themselves with other people in a similar situation. They learn about the struggles of others and ways to pull through. 

At diagnosis, the specialist will decide on one three types of ADHD. The first type is Primarily Inattentive ADHD. This is characterized by inability to listen or follow instructions. They have difficulty organizing and constantly lose things like pencils and pens. They are very easily distracted and forget quickly. The second type is Primarily Hyperactive ADHD. The biggest symptom of this type is impulsivity. The patient will have trouble waiting in line for their turn. They will shout answers in class and interrupt others during conversation. They are almost incapable of playing on their own quietly and talk excessively. The patient will be restless and squirm a lot. The third type is a combination of the two types. In this case, the patient will have symptoms of both all rolled into one. 

Annoyingly Common Misconceptions

1. It is all in your head’

Well, actually it is not. Studies have shown a difference in the brain architecture of people with ADHD. The posterior cingulated cortex and medial prefrontal cortex do not auger well. It has also shown slow connections in the brain leading to difficulty staying attentive. It is therefore an actual medical condition

2. It is not a big deal, you just need to try harder

In addition to the above facts, research has shown that ADHD patients tend to have low credit scores and high levels of cholesterol. This is evidence of their trouble keeping up with simple lifestyle requirements. So yes, it is a big deal as these factors go on to affect the general global economy.

3. You cannot concentrate, you definitely have ADHD

Not all attention deficits are ADHD just like not all hyperactivity is ADHD. Difficulty paying attention can be caused by a myriad of things especially in thus digital age. There are things on the internet that will continue constantly taking attention away from the task at hand. 

Children are naturally active and energetic. While hyperactivity is the most visible symptom, being hyperactive does not necessarily lead to an ADHD diagnosis. A child must have at least six symptoms for there to be cause for concern.

4. Bad parenting is the cause of ADHD

The only role a parent has in the occurrence of ADHD is if it was passed genetically, otherwise parenting style has nothing to do with it. Thus, good old fashion discipline will not suppress or cure ADHD. 

5. ADHD patients care nothing for consequences

They do, so much so that it hurts them when they face the consequences despite having tried hard to master the rules. The patients just have trouble processing the requirements. In this case, patience is best exercised.

The Science of CBD for ADHD

Studies have shown preference for CBD for ADHD management in place of the addictive meds. The same studies have proven an enhancement in cognitive function and reduction in symptoms after use of CBD to manage ADHD. Emotional liability has also greatly improved. 

In 2013, a study published in the Journal for Substance Use and Misuse showed a significant number of ADHD patient self medicate with CBD to manage their symptoms In place of the highly demanding stimulants. From the testimonials, it is clear that CBD is potent against the ADHD symptoms. Later in 2015, a German study produced evidence of improvement in symptoms of ADHD particularly concentration and impulsivity due to the use of CBD. 

Addressing Causes and Symptoms

While ADD and ADHD are fairly the same, they have been reported to have some difference. Patients tend to have a lower amount of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. Dopamine is the chemical compound responsible for memory and attentions. CBD works to activate the adenosine receptor, which is a regulator of dopamine production. Thus, reducing the severity of attention deficit and forgetfulness. 

Attention deficit can be brought on by a traumatic brain injury. Recently, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem through a study that involved rats with brain injury realized that the endocannabinoid system played a significant role in healing. Introduction of CBD therefore hastened the process. Hopefully, this is a gateway for trials. Not only will TBI-caused ADHD patients benefit but even sportsmen who suffer concussions and victims of accidents. 

Since most ADHD patients are children, it is only smart to ask the question: is it safe for children? Have you ever heard of Charlotte’s Web? This is a strain of cannabis used on an epileptic little girl who used to suffer multiple seizures throughout the day. Once CBD was introduced into the course of treatment, she began to experience relief. She had less and less seizures every day. The strain was then named in her honor. Since then, the strain has been used on numerous epileptic children successfully. So yes, CBD is very safe for children. However, a doctor shold be consulted before incorporating this into the treatment regimen. 

Child Friendly CBD Products

1. Pure CBD oil

One must ensure the CBD oil they use on their child is completely pure. It should have nary a trace of THC. For quick absorption into the system, sublingual delivery is the best way to go. The oil tastes a bit like soil and weeds, so one should find creative ways to mask the taste. It could be by having the tote swallow with a spoonful of yoghurt or ice cream. 

This is pure CBD with a very high concentration. One should therefore follow the dosage instructions to the letter lest they overdose the child. 

2. Tincture

This is the purest form of all CBD products. It has a lower concentration than the oil but it is still incredibly pure. It also has a variety of uses. It can be taken orally or sublingually. It can also be infused into food, snacks, and drinks. It does not need to be cooked and can even be added to cold snacks like fruit salad and breakfast cereal. 

Apart from being pure and low conc., the tincture comes in natural flavors like strawberry and peppermint. These flavors allow the taste to be appealing to children making it easier to administer. 

3. Capsules

These can be administered to older children who do not have difficulty swallowing. However, with children one has to be careful lest they spit it and examine out of curiosity. This is also a very convenient product for the adults with ADHD.

There are other capsules in the market where one breaks the containment and pours the contents into a beverage. It could be anything from a smoothie to diner time milk. The dinnertime milk idea will also serve the purpose of ensuring bedtime runs smoothly. Either way, the powdered makes for a quick administration. There is no chance of spitting out. 

4. Homemade edibles

Adults can enjoy readymade CBD edibles. However, it is not the best thing for children. Parents are usually very selective about what the children put in their mouths and therefore prefer to do the preparation and cooking personally. This is well and good. There are tons of recipes online for CBD infused children’s recipes. They are yummy and serve a much greater purpose than just nutrition.

Uninformed Arguments

Some time back, there was a topic online: No Pot for Tots. There were a lot of arguments against use of CBD for ADHD and other conditions that affects children. However, upon inflection one will quickly realize that the arguments were based on misconceptions. The idea here is use of CBD not the whole cannabis plant. Even Charlotte’s web has a ratio of 30:1 CBD to THC. The first thing before completely dismissing CBD as a viable option for management of ADHD symptoms is to understand the quintessence of CBD.