Medical Cannabis and ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterised by a group of behavioural symptoms which are broadly grouped into the following: 

• Difficulty concentrating or paying attention

• Impulsiveness 

• Hyperactivity 

Generally the symptoms of ADHD are notable in childhood and most diagnoses are made in children under the age of 12. However for various reasons, people may not have been assessed or diagnosed in childhood and adults with access to more information about ADHD are seeking and obtaining a diagnosis. This page focuses on ADHD in adults only. 

Adults with ADHD may also have other associated symptoms such as difficulty with sleep, anxiety or obsessive behaviours. 

No one really knows the exact cause of ADHD but evidence does suggest that the condition may run in families, although no single specific gene is considered to be responsible for this. Some research suggests that there may be some differences in the brains of people with ADHD such as the size of some parts of the brain or the balance and use of chemicles in the brain. 

Babies born prematurely or with a low birthweight and babies exposed to alcohol during gestation are considered to have a higher risk of ADHD. Whilst ADHD is more common in people with learning difficulties, it can occur in people with all intellectual abilities. 

A diagnosis of ADHD should be made by a specialist. 

Treatment for ADHD is aimed at reducing the impact of the condition in every day life. Both medicine and/or therapy can be used to help treat ADHD and treatment is usually arranged by a specialist. 

Some of the most common medicines used to treat ADHD are:

• Methylphenidate

• Atomoxetine

• Amphetamines – often lisdexamfetamine and dexamfetamine

All medicines are prescription only and should never be obtained without a prescription. 

Some of the therapies that can be useful for patients with ADHD evolve around education, skills training and behaviour management skills. 

Medical cannabis may be considered an option to help manage the symptoms of ADHD when first line interventions have not been successful for an adult patient. Research into medical cannabis and ADHD is limited, but an increasing number of patients are turning to medical cannabis as an option. It is important that this is done via specialist clinicians and only on prescription with the right care in place. 

If you would like to discuss medical cannabis and ADHD further you can contact us here or self refer here.