CBD Oil and ADHD Management: Too Big a Leap
Cannabidiol oil, most often referred to as CBD oil, is a product of the marijuana plant. I've been hearing a few parents utilizing it as an alternative treatment for ADHD, and I was a bit concerned as I had not heard of any research supporting the claims made. As psychologists, it is important that we disseminate factually-based information. Here is the conclusion from one reputable source:
The research on CBD oil and other cannabis products as a possible intervention for ADHD does not show effectiveness for managing symptoms, and actually shows increased mental and physical health risks. “We don’t want to misrepresent things, and with CBD oil, it is getting misrepresented,” Dr. Mitchell says. “When people say this works for ADHD, this is going way beyond the data. That’s too big of a leap.”
For the complete article, please click on the following link:
The article goes on the discuss the research-based interventions that are supported, including parent-training to better understand ADHD and how to implement tools that work for your child, and medication, particularly stimulants. (The type of medication is outside our scope, this is best chosen in consult with a pediatric psychiatrist).
Two resources that I find helpful and often recommend to parents are as follows:
"Taking Charge of ADHD" by Russell Barkley, Ph.D.
"Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medication for Kids" by Tim Wilens, M.D. (3rd Edition)