Treating ADHD Anxiety with CBD - CHADD's ADHD Pare...

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Treating ADHD Anxiety with CBD

dwpotter profile image
20 Replies

I have a middle school child with ADHD and my child is on medication with good success. My question in all seriousness is: has anyone use CBD to treat anxiety in ADHD preteen/adolescent children? Or has anyone heard from a reputable source if this a safe and successful way to treat anxiety in ADHD children?

Thank you for a considerate and thoughtful reply.

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dwpotter
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20 Replies
cremington profile image
cremington

My good friend's daughter uses a low dose THC/ high CBD blend. Her husband passed away 5 years ago from an unexpected heart attack, so you can imagine the stress, anxiety, and PTSD both the mother and daughter have. The daughter was put on various ADHD medication from ages 7-10 because she was having trouble in school, and after years of additional frustrations, side effects, and no real improvements, she was recommended a doctor that prescribe THC/CBD. After a few weeks of her daughter being on this new medication, the mother told me, "I finally have my daughter back". The 10 year old girl wanted to play outside, got better sleep, stopped her weird fetish with cutting things up, was calm and wouldn't lash out, performed better in school, was too scared to sing in front of people, but now is singing at the talent show tonight in front of 200 people. I will find out the doctor's name and location. I've heard nothing but positive things about CBD/THC if used properly. The biggest issue is that society has created a giant stigma against marijuana in general that we as a collective need to get over so people can accept and start using a more natural alternative.

Acfoger1018 profile image
Acfoger1018 in reply to cremington

I would love to know more about what she is using. I have a six year old little boy that struggles day after day and if I could find something like this to try for him maybe we could have succes with it too!

dwpotter profile image
dwpotter in reply to cremington

I replied that I would never give THC to a child but I do believe in this case it's obviously doing good. I want to make sure you know that I was not putting this down at all. It's great to hear and I really appreciate you answering me. :)

Elijah1 profile image
Elijah1

Before trying CBD, have you tried any of the regular anxiety medications?

dwpotter profile image
dwpotter in reply to Elijah1

I don't want to try them at this point. I'm looking for a way to not go that route if at all possible. Things can change and maybe I would look at that. I'm keeping an open mind.

Elijah1 profile image
Elijah1 in reply to dwpotter

That is fine but, remember, CBD is a brain active agent with side effects and potential interactions with medications. It is basically just another drug (with a formulation, Epidiolex, presently being reviewed by the FDA for use as an epilepsy medication). There are concerns about potency between batches (may not be the same concentration) and a lack of knowledge about potential long term problems (THC is known to have negative effects on the teen age brain).

That said, consider Palmetto Harmony's product, which has been used by other parents I know.

SSperber profile image
SSperber

I recently asked my naturopathic doctor about this and she said she has seen cases where it works very well- but not combined with a stimulant med... then you are giving an upper and a downer which can cause issues (according to her). So we are going to try it this summer once we can wean my son off of his stimulant medication. She also said there are only a few places that are reputable to order from. I would recommend seeking a naturapathic doctor that could order it for you and oversee the treatment. Good luck!!

in reply to SSperber

would you mind sharing what brand/source you were recommended by your naturopathic doctor?? I would like to try with my son in the summer as well as he is on concerta now. Thanks.

Acfoger1018 profile image
Acfoger1018 in reply to

I would like to know what is recommended as well please. :)

SSperber profile image
SSperber in reply to

CW Hemp-

They are based out of Colorado and only use the Charlotte Webb strain. Very small company that tracks everything they make.

SSperber profile image
SSperber in reply to SSperber

But remember- shouldn’t combine with a stimulant!

in reply to SSperber

Thank you.

nurse_nelly profile image
nurse_nelly in reply to

aonmothernature.com

dwpotter profile image
dwpotter in reply to SSperber

I was wondering if it could replace the stimulant medication. We use Adderall XR and it works very well, but I would prefer to treat the anxiety without using a pharmaceutical. I'm not sure if CBD would be as helpful for helping with focusing in school. I also think the Adderall might be causing the anxiety. I've read where using CBD helps the neurotransmitters with dopamine, but I have only read this from companies selling CBD. I don't trust the sales pitch. I was wondering if anyone in real life practice has seen benefits. This is all good information that you all are giving me.

momdom profile image
momdom in reply to dwpotter

I have an 11 year old son that is having difficulty focusing /executive function skills (adhd symptoms) I bought CBD oil and am leaning towards trying this before pharm's- I will let you know how it goes.

dwpotter profile image
dwpotter

Thought I would post this out of the replies so that everyone can see it. ::::::::::: (I was wondering if it could replace the stimulant medication. We use Adderall XR and it works very well, but I would prefer to treat the anxiety without using a pharmaceutical. I'm not sure if CBD would be as helpful for helping with focusing in school. I also think the Adderall might be causing the anxiety. I've read where using CBD helps the neurotransmitters with dopamine, but I have only read this from companies selling CBD. I don't trust the sales pitch. I was wondering if anyone in real life practice has seen benefits. This is all good information that you all are giving me.)

I really appreciate the replies. We live in Washington State where recreational is legal (I would NEVER give THC to a child) and there is not as much stigma to using CBD here. If anything I have the stigma and concerns if it is ok to use CBD with absolutely no chemical high to it.

If it truly helped then I need to change my perspective. I don't really like my child using a stimulant drug even though it is successful. We use it because it works but what if CBD helped? And, it was easier on my child's heart and health. My child never gets a good nights sleep and it's heartbreaking.

Brownstoner profile image
Brownstoner in reply to dwpotter

I understand....

nurse_nelly profile image
nurse_nelly in reply to Brownstoner

My son started taking Gummies 6 weeks ago. 1 a day in the am with his short acting Ritalin. We have NOT seen any change in him. He has struggled so bad trying to find the right medications. He is 12 and has tried just about everything. Today we are going to try 2 gummies with NO stimulant...I had no idea these were NOT to be given with each other...

Onthemove1971 profile image
Onthemove1971 in reply to nurse_nelly

Have you worked with a skilled pediatric psychiatrist? I find it hard to believe that a specialist could not understand your child's personality and give you proper medication that works.

Do you understand that XR ( means this lasts in the body a long time). CBD will not last this long and you will also not be able to give your child this during school hours.

Children need a proper Specialist to help them.

Hey dwpotter:

Not sure if your child is still using CBD, but if he/she needs more than 1,000mg a month of CBD oil you might want to check out a membership via familyhempsource.com. I joined their membership program so that I could buy the CBD we needed at wholesale prices. It's been a lifesaver for our family. I think they are starting their second pilot program soon (which basically means they are adding 30 more members) anyways the membership helps make high-quality CBD oil more affordable for families. It's organically grown, C02 extracted. It's good stuff. Best of luck!

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