ADHD medical cannabis treatment

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioural, and neurodevelopmental, disorder that usually develops during childhood. Characterised by issues staying focused, being easily distracted, lacking attention to detail and being forgetful, ADHD can have a big impact on a person's everyday life. Recently, however, medical cannabis ADHD treatments have emerged as a new option for patients in the UK - and many are curious to learn more.

Am I eligible?

3 to 4%

of the UK population have [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder], and the male to female diagnosis ratio is 3:1.

15%

of adults in the UK are aware medical cannabis can be [prescribed to help manage ADHD] symptoms, says representative research.

1 in 4

with ADHD found cannabis plays a positive role in symptom management, according to a [qualitative analysis] of online discussion threads

Over 2/3

of UK adults would [consider medical cannabis] treatments if their doctor recommended them, according to representative research.

Symptoms

Appearing forgetful

Difficulty concentrating

Feeling fidgety / excessive physical movement

Hyperactivity

Impulsiveness

Inattentiveness

Mood swings

Poor organisation

Restlessness

Short attention span

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you may have ADHD. Please speak with your GP to find out more.

Treatment options:

When treating or managing ADHD, medications can be prescribed to help calm impulsivity, or aid concentration and focus. Different types of therapy can also be recommended, such as psychoeducation to help you cope with the condition, or cognitive behavioural therapy, which may help people to develop the tools they need to alter how they behave in certain situations.

Atomoxetine

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Guanfacine

Lisdexamfetamine

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Psychoeducation

Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis ADHD treatments here.
Am I eligible?

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A word from our specialist

"Neurological conditions are many and varied in how they can affect us. The more recognised conditions that are treatable with medical cannabis include epilepsy, where CBD mimics the action of the many anti-epileptic drugs; and multiple sclerosis, which the NHS can prescribe Sativex for. Medical Cannabis offers greater flexibility in the delivery of cannabinoid therapy for these conditions and hope in other areas of neurology, such as in the neurodegenerative conditions and the motor disorders."

Dr David Tang

Clinic Director

Find out if you may be eligible for medical cannabis ADHD treatments here.
Am I eligible?

Articles on Adhd

28. 03. 2024

Understanding medical cannabis and ADHD

An estimated 2.6 million people are living with ADHD in the UK and diagnoses are on the rise as general awareness of neurodivergent disorders grows. At the same time, many patients are reporting benefits from medical cannabis, with ADHD now one of the most common conditions for which it is prescribed.

13. 09. 2023

The science behind medical cannabis for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is believed to arise from a complex interplay of genetics, brain structure, and function. While individuals with ADHD often demonstrate high intelligence and creativity, they may encounter challenges in information processing, sustaining attention, and regulating impulsive behaviour.

17. 08. 2023

Can CBD help reduce the symptoms of ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects cognition, perception, attention, and impulsivity. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorders. Although pharmaceutical medications are often prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms and behavioural therapy helps patients develop coping strategies, many are seeking alternative treatments.

Can medical cannabis assist in ADHD symptom management?

Although research into the effects of medical cannabis on those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is still ongoing, cannabis-based treatments have shown promising potential for certain patients because of their ability to promote relaxation, and a sense of calmness. 

In the UK, medical cannabis was legalised in 2018 as a treatment option for a number of conditions, including a range of psychiatric, neurological, and chronic pain conditions, when other conventional or traditional treatments have proven to be unsuccessful in managing a patient’s needs.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of these conditions, and those with treatment-resistant ADHD may be eligible for medical cannabis ADHD-tailored treatments if other options have failed.

According to self-reported data, in a qualitative analysis of around 400 online discussion threads, 25% felt medical cannabis was an effective and therapeutic tool in managing their ADHD symptoms, and cited improvements in their focus and concentration. 

However, the same analysis found that around 8% disagreed, and said cannabis intensified their symptoms. This is why it is important that medical cannabis ADHD treatment plans are supervised and designed by a qualified team of healthcare professionals to each individual, to ensure their treatment is safe and effective.

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