Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomised-controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) report self-medicating with cannabis.
• Some prefer cannabis to traditional ADHD medications, yet evidence is limited.
• Psychiatrists in the US cautiously prescribe cannabis for ADHD, lacking robust clinical trial data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a cannabinoid medication, Sativex Oromucosal Spray, in adults with ADHD.
• To assess the impact of Sativex on cognitive performance, activity levels, and ADHD/emotional lability symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized, placebo-controlled trial (EMA-C) involving 30 adults with ADHD.
• Participants were assigned to either Sativex (active group, n=15) or placebo (n=15).
• Primary outcome: cognitive performance and activity (QbTest); Secondary outcomes: ADHD and emotional lability symptoms.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the primary outcome (cognitive performance/activity) between Sativex and placebo groups.
• Nominally significant improvements observed for hyperactivity/impulsivity (p=0.03) and inhibition (p=0.05) with Sativex.
• Trends towards improvement in inattention (p=0.10) and emotional lability (p=0.11); per-protocol effects were higher.

Conclusions:

• This study offers preliminary evidence supporting the self-medication theory of cannabis use in ADHD.
• Adults with ADHD might represent a subgroup benefiting from cannabinoids without cognitive impairment.
• Further research into the endocannabinoid system in ADHD is warranted.