Promising Research Suggests CBD May Help Alleviate Autism Symptoms

New research indicates that cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis extract, could offer substantial benefits for children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Scientists report that CBD may help improve behavior in this demographic, providing "meaningful benefits."

ASD affects roughly 1% of young people globally, often characterized by challenges in emotional expression and adherence to repetitive behaviors. In this study, researchers reviewed previous trials assessing the efficacy and safety of CBD for ASD-afflicted youths, involving 276 participants averaging 10.5 years old.

Findings revealed that CBD has led to "moderate improvements" in social responsiveness and "small yet notable" reductions in anxiety and disruptive behaviors. Additionally, it significantly enhanced sleep quality. Crucially, the safety profile of CBD was deemed "favorable," showing no increased adverse events compared to a placebo.

Dr. Lara Cappelletti Beneti Branco from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, remarked on the increasing prevalence of ASD diagnoses in youths and the inefficacy of many treatment pathways. She emphasized that although the results are promising, further extensive research is necessary to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of CBD for ASD treatment.

The study was presented at the European Congress of Psychiatry in Madrid, where Professor Geert Dom, President of the European Psychiatric Association, expressed optimism about the findings. He acknowledged the frustrations that ASD presents for families and medical professionals in finding effective treatments and urged continued research to address unmet needs within the ASD community.