Brazilian researchers have found that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabis extract, may help reduce symptoms in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to findings presented at the European Congress of Psychiatry in Madrid.
The meta-analysis, led by Dr. Lara Branco from the University of São Paulo, examined data from three previous clinical trials involving 276 children with autism, with an average age of 10.5 years. Results showed improvements in several key areas that often challenge those with autism.
"The global population prevalence of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis amongst children and adolescents is growing, but many treatment pathways are not effective," said Dr. Branco. "It is promising to see the effect of CBD cannabis extract on the study participants."
Key Findings on CBD's Effects
The research revealed that CBD extract appeared to enhance social responsiveness, reduce disruptive behaviors, and alleviate anxiety in children with autism. While improvements in sleep quality were also observed, these results did not reach statistical significance.
Importantly, the study found that CBD did not cause more adverse events compared to placebo treatments, suggesting what researchers described as a "favorable safety profile" for this potential intervention.
Cannabidiol is the second most prevalent active ingredient in marijuana but, unlike THC, does not cause intoxication. Scientists believe it may produce therapeutic benefits by interacting with cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and body.
Rising Autism Prevalence Highlights Need for Effective Treatments
The research comes at a time when autism diagnoses continue to rise significantly. Recent data indicates that approximately 1 in 31 U.S. children are now affected by autism spectrum disorder, representing a 175% increase between 2011 and 2022.
This growing prevalence underscores the urgent need for effective interventions, particularly for managing the behavioral and emotional challenges that often accompany autism.
"ASD can be extremely frustrating for all involved; parents of children and adolescents with the disorder, the treating clinicians, and of course the children and adolescents themselves," noted Dr. Geert Dom, President of the European Psychiatric Association and professor of psychiatry at the University of Antwerp in Belgium.
"A large part of this frustration is down to finding a viable treatment option that works to reduce symptoms," Dom added. "It is with delight that we see the results of this meta-analysis and we hope to see further research into this so we can move towards a solution to the unmet need within this community."
Study Limitations and Future Research Directions
Despite the encouraging results, the researchers acknowledged several limitations in their analysis, including the relatively small number of studies and limited sample sizes. Dr. Branco emphasized that more comprehensive research is necessary before CBD can be recommended as a standard treatment for autism.
"There still needs to be considerable focus on further research with larger trials to clarify its efficacy and safety in managing ASD," she cautioned.
The study included participants ranging from 5 to 21 years old, with males representing 78% of the study population—a ratio that reflects the higher diagnosis rates of autism among males in the general population.
CBD's Legal Status and Medical Applications
CBD has gained increasing attention for its potential therapeutic applications across various conditions. Unlike THC, CBD is legal in all 50 U.S. states, though with varying restrictions. This legal status has facilitated research into its potential benefits for conditions ranging from epilepsy to anxiety disorders.
The FDA has already approved one CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, for treating certain forms of epilepsy, establishing a precedent for cannabidiol's use in medical contexts.
As research continues, the potential for CBD to help manage autism symptoms offers hope to families seeking effective interventions for a condition that can significantly impact quality of life for both children and their caregivers.
The findings presented at the European Congress of Psychiatry are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
