Medical cannabis could help adults with autism spectrum disorder

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Medical cannabis could help adults with autism spectrum disorder

A study done in the UK showed that medical cannabis could improve the quality of life in adults with autism spectrum disorder ASD and reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms in autistic patients.

Autism is a developmental disorder that involves challenges with communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests, first discovered by German psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911.

A study published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology showed that cannabis-based medicinal products CBMPs have been identified as a promising novel therapeutic for symptoms and comorbidities related to autism spectrum disorder ASD. However, researchers cautioned that there is a lack of clinical evidence of their efficacy and safety. A study aim: Assessing changes to health-related quality of life through a series of cases and the incidence of adverse events in patients with CBMPs for associated symptoms of ASD enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry UKMCR Adults with autism spectrum disorder ASD face an array of challenging symptoms which can have a devastating impact on their quality of life. The main goal of treatment is not to modify the core traits of autism. These can be valuable and invariably form a core part of a person's identity. The UKMCR has identified patients treated with CBMPs for ASD-related symptoms for a minimum of 1 month. Primary outcomes were changes in validated patient-reported outcome measures such as Anxiety Disorder, Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale, Level version of EQ 5 D at 1, 3, and 6 months compared to baseline. Adverse events were recorded and analyzed.

The researchers examined the impact of medical cannabis on 74 autistic participants with an average age of 33.

The investigation found significant improvements in general health-related quality of life and sleep. There were 180 adverse events reported by 14 participants. When present, adverse events were typically mild or moderate, rather than severe, researchers said.

The study showed an associated improvement in general health-related quality of life and anxiety and sleep-specific symptoms after initiation of treatment with CBMPs in patients with ASD. The researchers found that due to treatment with cannabis, there was a 33 percent and 25 percent reduction in the prescription of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics.

Based on the results of the study, we applied for grant funding for a randomized controlled trial RCT of CBMPs in those with ASD who also suffer from anxiety and insomnia, according to Dr. Rucker. This trial, if funded, could be a significant advance in the quest to develop new interventions for this group of people. The findings were noted by the lead author of the study, Simon Erridge, head of research and access at Sapphire Medical Clinics.

Further evaluation is needed to improve our understanding of the potential benefits of medical cannabis for adults with ASD, despite these findings being promising. It is essential to have a commitment to RCTs to inform guidelines and day-to- day care for those with ASD. Courtesy Of Annie Spratt On Unsplash