Cannabis use in Attention – Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A scoping review

Francisco, Ana Paula; Lethbridge, Grace; Patterson, Beth; Bergmann, Carolina Goldman; Ameringen, Michael Van

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.029

Cited by 11 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 97 publications

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“…While these medications are often effective for symptom reduction, adverse effects are common, and the long-term benefits and risks of stimulant medication in ADHD remain uncertain [ 49 ]. There is a long history of complementary and alternate medicine use in ADHD [ 50 ], and interest in MC as a treatment option has emerged in recent years [ 51 ].…”

Section: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disordermentioning

confidence: 99%

Medicinal Cannabis for Paediatric Developmental, Behavioural and Mental Health Disorders

Efron

Taylor

2023

IJERPH

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Parents of children with developmental, behavioural and mental health disorders are increasingly asking whether medicinal cannabis might be a therapeutic option for their child. This paper presents the current evidence for medicinal cannabis in this population. Preliminary evidence from open-label studies suggests the potential for medicinal cannabis to ameliorate some symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. However, only one double-blind placebo-controlled trial has been completed, with inconclusive findings. Synthetic, transdermal cannabidiol gel has demonstrated efficacy for reducing social avoidance in a sub-group of children with Fragile X syndrome. Studies of medicinal cannabis are planned or underway for children and/or adolescents with autism, intellectual disability, Tourette’s syndrome, anxiety, psychosis, anorexia nervosa and a number of specific neurodevelopmental syndromes. High -evidence from double-blind placebo-controlled trials is needed to guide clinical practice.

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Section: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disordermentioning

confidence: 99%

Medicinal Cannabis for Paediatric Developmental, Behavioural and Mental Health Disorders

Efron

Taylor

2023

IJERPH

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“…However, possible cannabis application in ADHD treatment requires further investigation of the endocannabinoid system, as many studies show that cannabis can worsen symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Reduction in cannabis use might be connected with reduced use of other substances, such as alcohol, which may result in improved ADHD symptoms [ 64 ].…”

Section: Cannabis Use Disordersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Link Between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorders: A Review

et al. 2023

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adults. In the substance use disorders (SUDs) population, ADHD prevalence reaches 23.1%, leading to more severe substance abuse progression and reduced treatment effectiveness. Cannabis is the most common illicit drug used among the ADHD population. The increasing popularity of medical marijuana (MM) has raised concerns about its potential impact on neurocognitive functions, particularly in adolescents. Persistent cannabis use can cause permanent changes in brain structures and circuits. This review aims to overview the comorbidity of ADHD and SUDs, focusing on cannabis use disorders. Theoretical models of the etiologies of ADHD and SUDs were investigated to establish a framework for analyzing their underlying neurocognitive mechanisms. The reward and motivational brain circuitries involving the default-mode network and the endocannabinoid system were emphasized. The high prevalence of SUDs in the ADHD population has ramifications, including earlier age of onset, self-medication, and reduced performance in various domains. Cannabis use disorders are particularly significant due to the increasingly widespread use of cannabis and its perceived safety. The review highlights the lack of theoretical background on the therapeutic properties of medicinal cannabis, criticizing its speculated applications in the ADHD population. This article reviews the current understanding of the association between ADHD and cannabis use, emphasizing the need for further research and a cautious approach to MM's potential therapeutic applications.

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“…However, the limited sample size of this study restricts generalizability of the findings. A systematic review investigating cannabis and ADHD found 13 studies reporting improvements in symptoms including concentration, motivation, learning, memory, and impulsivity 40 . However, most studies found no associations or demonstrated negative effects on core ADHD symptoms 40–43 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A systematic review investigating cannabis and ADHD found 13 studies reporting improvements in symptoms including concentration, motivation, learning, memory, and impulsivity 40 . However, most studies found no associations or demonstrated negative effects on core ADHD symptoms 40–43 . Additionally, observational studies have generally identified a relationship between illicit cannabis use and the increased risk of neurocognitive impairment and addiction 43–47 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…40 However, most studies found no associations or demonstrated negative effects on core ADHD symptoms. [40][41][42][43] Additionally, observational studies have generally identified a relationship between illicit cannabis use and the increased risk of neurocognitive impairment and addiction. [43][44][45][46][47] This has also been reflected in evidence from neuroimaging studies of those with ADHD.…”

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confidence: 99%

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UK Medical Cannabis Registry: An analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Ittiphakorn,

Erridge,

Holvey

et al. 2023

Neuropsychopharm Rep

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AimThis study aims to analyze the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and safety outcomes in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients treated with cannabis‐based medicinal products (CBMPs).MethodsPatients were identified from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Primary outcomes were changes in the following patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from baseline: EQ‐5D‐5L index value, generalized anxiety disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) questionnaire, and the single‐item sleep quality score (SQS). Secondary outcomes assessed the incidence of adverse events. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.050.ResultsSixty‐eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Significant improvements were identified in general HRQoL assessed by EQ‐5D‐5L index value at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.050). Improvements were also identified in GAD‐7 and SQS scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (p < 0.010). 61 (89.71%) adverse events were recorded by 11 (16.18%) participants, of which most were moderate (n = 26, 38.24%).ConclusionAn association between CBMP treatment and improvements in anxiety, sleep quality, and general HRQoL was observed in patients with ADHD. Treatment was well tolerated at 12 months. Results must be interpreted with caution as a causative effect cannot be proven. These results, however, do provide additional support for future evaluation within randomized controlled trials.

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Cannabis use in Attention – Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A scoping review

Cited by 11 publications

References 97 publications

Medicinal Cannabis for Paediatric Developmental, Behavioural and Mental Health Disorders

Medicinal Cannabis for Paediatric Developmental, Behavioural and Mental Health Disorders

Exploring the Link Between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorders: A Review

UK Medical Cannabis Registry: An analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

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