ADHD Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About ADHD
Are you or your child always on the go? Do you find it hard to focus or sit still for long periods? If so, you may wonder if you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This blog post will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this common condition.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty focusing or paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. While ADHD is most often diagnosed in childhood, it can also affect adults.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers believe that ADHD is linked to dopamine and norepinephrine changes in the brain. These changes can lead to problems with focus, self-control, and impulsivity.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
The symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person. Some people with ADHD may only have trouble with one symptom, while others may have multiple symptoms. The most common symptoms of ADHD include:
* Difficulty paying attention or focusing on tasks
* Easily distracted
* Fidgeting or squirming when seated
* Trouble staying seated when required to do so
* Excessive talking
* Difficulty waiting their turn
* Acting impulsively without thinking about the consequences
How Does It Affect Children?
ADHD can cause problems in school, at home, and with friends. For instance, children with ADHD may have difficulty following rules or instructions. They may also struggle to pay attention or stay on task. As a result, they may often feel frustrated or discouraged. Additionally, children with ADHD may be more likely than their peers to get into fights or have accidents.
How Does It Affect Adults?
Adults with ADHD may have trouble holding jobs or keeping up with bills and other responsibilities. They may also find it challenging to maintain healthy relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at an increased risk for developing other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
If you think your child may have ADHD, the first step is to see a doctor or mental health professional. They will ask about your family history, home life, school performance, and health. They will also give you a physical exam to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Once they have all this information, they will be able to diagnose the patient with ADHD or not.
Can CBD Help with ADHD?
Scientists are still trying to understand how exactly CBD works. We do know that it binds to receptors throughout our bodies, but we don't yet know everything about what those binding interactions look like.
One of the most popular potentials uses for CBD is in the realm of mental health. People have used CBD for years for anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. But only recently have we begun to study CBD's potential as a treatment for more specific conditions like ADHD. So far, the results are hopeful but inconclusive.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests as focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity problems. It's one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children and can often carry into adulthood. According to the CDC, about 11% of American children aged 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point.
There is no known cure for ADHD, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms. The most common course of treatment is stimulant medication, which can be effective but also comes with a host of potential side effects like sleep problems, weight loss or gain, irritability, and more. For many people with ADHD, these side effects are worse than the symptoms they're trying to treat. That's where CBD comes in.
According to research, CBD has been shown to help with anxiety and insomnia, two common comorbidities of ADHD. A small 2019 study found that CBD may help reduce impulsivity in people with OCD. And while larger-scale studies need to be done to confirm these findings, they provide promising evidence that CBD could be a possible therapy for ADHD—without the potentially harmful side effects of traditional stimulant medications.
How Might CBD Help With ADHD?
There are a few ways that CBD might be able to help with some of the symptoms of ADHD. For one thing, CBD is known to help maintain normal emotional balance and a sense of relaxation. This can be helpful for people who have trouble sitting still or focusing because it may help to take the edge off some of the hyperactivity.
Additionally, CBD research has also been shown to improve sleep quality. Getting enough rest is essential for managing ADHD, which could greatly help. Finally, studies revealed that CBD is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This could potentially help with some of the comorbid conditions that often come along with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
Are There Any Side Effects?
CBD is generally considered to be safe, but like any other supplement or medication, it's always important to talk to your doctor before starting anything new - especially if you're already taking other medications. Additionally, it's essential to ensure that you're buying your CBD products from a reputable source. Unfortunately, since the FDA doesn't regulate CBD, many shady products are masquerading as 'CBD.' So do your research and only buy products from companies that you trust.
Takeaways
If you or your child are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's essential to consult with a doctor or mental health professional. While there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. These treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and education/behavioral therapy. With proper treatment, people with ADHD can lead happy and productive lives.
More research needs to be done to determine whether CBD is an effective treatment for ADHD. But the preliminary evidence looks promising—especially for those who cannot tolerate traditional stimulant medications or who haven't had success with them in the past. If you're considering trying CBD for your ADHD symptoms, talk to your doctor to ensure it won't interact negatively with any other medications you're taking.
Sources:
NCBI: Cannabis for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Report of 3 Cases
BMJ Journals: G632 Effectiveness of Cannabidiol oil in the management of ADHD and its co-morbidities: Review of the evidence
