Clinical follow-up of five children with autism spectrum disorder using full spectrum cannabis oil as a complementary therapy
a case series
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5712/rbmfc20(47)4567Keywords:
Primary health care, Cannabis, Medical marijuana, Drugs for primary health care, Autism spectrum disorderAbstract
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by communication and social interaction deficits, along with repetitive and restrictive behaviors, typically emerging around age three. Objectives: To assess the therapeutic response of five pediatric patients with ASD using full-spectrum cannabis oil rich in cannabidiol (CBD) 20 mg/ml combined with conventional pharmacotherapy, monitored in Primary Health Care during the first half of 2024. Methods: An observational, descriptive case series study was conducted through active review of digital medical records. Validated tools for diagnosis and clinical assessment (Childhood Autism Rating Scale - CARS and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist - ATEC) were applied, along with a semi- structured script based on the Case Report (CARE checklist) to collect essential information on the clinical evolution of patients using complementary cannabis oil therapy. Results: The sample included three boys and two girls, aged 5 to 11 years. Two were classified with severe autism and three with mild to moderate autism. Mean age at diagnosis was 42.6 months, and average CBD use was 7.4 months. All patients experienced significant improvement in symptoms such as aggression, insomnia, hyperactivity, social interaction, repetitive behaviors, food selectivity, and concentration. Concomitant medications included risperidone, chlorpromazine, lamotrigine, and topiramate, with risperidone being the most common. Conclusion: CBD-rich cannabis oil showed positive therapeutic effects in patients with persistent ASD symptoms, with no adverse events reported after its introduction.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Beatriz Medeiros e Paula, Igor Bronzeado Cahino Moura de Almeida, Luíza Alcântara Pontes de Lemos, Katy Lísias Gondim Dias de Albuquerque
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