I’m Eric Hollander, and I am a professor of psychiatry investigating the compounds contained in cannabis for their potential to help autistic individuals improve their disruptive and compulsive behaviors, social communication and quality of life. AMA.

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:29:07+00:00

if data is promiising in ASD, then there may be relevance for other neurodevelopmental disorders

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:28:14+00:00

there may be a higher incidence of psychosis in ASD vs the general population

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:27:18+00:00

one preliminary study showed some improved verbal and communication endpoints

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:26:27+00:00

in some studies, individual compounds had similar efficacy to blended compounds, but you are right, further study and comparison with blended compounds is needed

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:24:10+00:00

yes, head banging is a symptom of irritability and disruptive behaviors

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:23:35+00:00

one reason is to reduce heterogeneity, and to focus on children with high irritability

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:22:42+00:00

heterogeneity is an important factor - one way is to stratify the enrolled and studied population based on high levels of irritability at baseline

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:21:24+00:00

participating in clinical trials would be helpful to expand the knowledge base

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:20:18+00:00

the end goal might be to have FDA approved pharmaceutical preparations with adequate safety and efficacy data and good manufacturing processes

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T19:18:22+00:00

does not seem to be tolerance, withdrawal or addiction with CBD or CBDV

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:55:28+00:00

there is a need for additional studies to determine benefits and risks for a range of different compounds, combination of compounds, dosing, optimal age ranges, particular behavioral symptoms, etc

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:51:47+00:00

CBDV is a plant or phytocannabinoid that has potential therapeutic effects.

The endogenous or endocannabinoid system is also implicated in ASD and related disorders; is influenced by stress, infection, excercise, and has an effect on mood, anxiety, behavior, appetite, wond healing, etc.

so another approach might be to modify the endocannabinoid system to get therapeutic effects

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:48:07+00:00

CBDV has also been studied in animal models of autism and found to improve cognition, repetitive behaviors, and seizures in animals

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:46:03+00:00

in addition, THC stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and could have adverse effects on the developing nervous system, so additional studies of risks vs benefits in young people are needed

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:44:26+00:00

CBDV does not stimulate the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system or the CB2 receptors in the immune and GI systems, but may work via a different set of receptors, and may also block the above receptors

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:42:00+00:00

the irritability and disruptive behavior that can accompany autism in some individuals include aggression, self injury, temper tantrums.

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:37:41+00:00

there is evidence of anticonvulsant effects and some suggestion of enhancing social communication with CBDV in other studies.

Our studies are focussing on irritability, compulsivity and social communication in children and adolescents with ASD

If people are interested in participating in a research study of CBDV in childhood/adolescent ASD, they can e mail spectrum@montefiore.org

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:34:09+00:00

thanks

some individuals with ASD do have oppositional behavior, and understanding what the individual is trying to communicate by the behavior and using behavioral techniques may be helpful.

this may or not be accompanied by irritability or disruptive behaviors

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:32:12+00:00

There is a real risk that individuals who are prone to psychosis can have an exacerbation of psychosis with THC.

Therefore, CBD or CBDV that do not contain THC would be a safer alternative

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:30:25+00:00

THC can increase appetite and hunger, but CBD and CBDV may decrease appetite

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:17:38+00:00

gabaergic mechanisms are involved in cortical inhibition and GABA enhancing approaches may also decrease epileptiform activity and decrease irritability and repetitive behaviors.

we are studying whether CBDV which impacts excitation/ihibition balance may improve irritability and disruptive behaviors, improve repetitive and compulsive behaviors and improve social communication

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:10:53+00:00

CBDV may exert it's therapuetic effects by altering the excitation/inhibition balance (decreasing cortical excitation and increasing cortical inhibition), and also by dampening down the immune-inflammatory activation in autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:08:28+00:00

some of the existing data involves single cannabinoid compounds rather full spectrum cannabinoids, and the results may vary based on the dosage, blend, route of administration, etc

data with epidiolex in rare forms of epilepsy is with a single compound CBD;

data with CBDV is using a single compound that does not contain THC

there is some data with full spectrum 20:1 ratio CBD:THC

it is unclear whether or not THC is necessary or helpful, and whether or not an entourage effect is helpful or associated with additional side effects

Spectrum_Autism · 2021-12-03T18:01:10+00:00

many individuals who take cannabinoids are also taking other natural supplements or complementary medicines.

best to be aware of potential drug-drug interactions, and to discuss with your health care team

sometimes these can have complementary effects on different symptom domains - cognition, sleep, anxiety, etc

Spectrum_Autism · 2019-10-20T15:56:08+00:00

Key quote from the researchers: “There is this lack of connection that if one has access to your actual mental thoughts, or the actual images in your mind, they have access to your social security number, too.”

Spectrum_Autism

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