Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is a mental and behavioural disorder with serious symptoms.

It is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting children to date, with approximately 280,000 ADHD children and adolescent patients between the ages of 0 and 19 years reported in Australia (ADHD Australia). Not only that, but three in four children with ADHD also experience symptoms in their adulthood, making ADHD a serious mental disorder that requires attentive management and effective treatment.

In Australia, there are many different treatments available for ADHD, from medication to psychological therapies. However, one treatment that is often overlooked is medicinal cannabis. Recent studies are highlighting the potential for medicinal cannabis to be an effective treatment for ADHD, reducing symptoms and helping patients lead normal, productive lives.

Learn more about ADHD and its modern treatment methods below.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a mental disorder that is characterised by problems with focus, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It often begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood, making it a lifelong condition.

There are several different types of ADHD:

• Inattentive type: Patients with the inattentive type of ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, be easily distracted or daydream a lot. They may also appear to not be listening when spoken to directly, have trouble following instructions or struggle to finish tasks
• Hyperactive-impulsive type: Patients with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD may fidget or squirm a lot, have trouble staying still for long periods of time or talk excessively. They may also act impulsively without thinking about the consequences, have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupt others often
• Combined type: Patients with the combined type of ADHD experience a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the most common type of ADHD, affecting around 70% of patients

ADHD can have a significant impact on a person’s life, making it difficult to function at home, school or work. It can also lead to problems with relationships, socialisation and self-esteem. In severe cases, ADHD can make it impossible for a person to live a normal life. As a result, many children with ADHD require special education and behavioural therapy in order to manage their symptoms and lead productive lives.

What are the Common Causes of ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is believed that ADHD runs in families. Additionally, exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as lead, may also increase a person’s risk of developing ADHD.

Other risk factors that may play a role in the development of ADHD include:

• Brain injury: A head injury or other damage to the brain has been linked to an increased risk of developing ADHD. This is most common in children who have experienced a traumatic brain injury
• Prenatal exposure to alcohol or cigarettes: Pregnant women who smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol are more likely to have a child with ADHD. Additionally, mothers who use drugs like cocaine or methamphetamines during pregnancy are also at an increased risk of having a child with ADHD
• Maternal malnutrition: Maternal malnutrition during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of ADHD in children. This is thought to be due to the fact that maternal malnutrition can lead to a deficiency of certain nutrients, such as iron, which are essential for brain development

ADHD is diagnosed based on a comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. The evaluation will usually include a physical examination, medical history, psychological assessment and behaviour rating scales. Patients will also typically be asked to

What are the Symptoms of ADHD?

Symptoms of ADHD vary from individual to individual. They can also vary depending on the type of ADHD a person has. In general, symptoms of ADHD can be divided into the same groups as ADHD types - inattentive symptoms, hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, and combined symptoms.

Below is a breakdown of the common symptoms ADHD patients may have:

• Inattentive symptoms: Patients with the inattentive type of ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, be easily distracted or daydream a lot. They may also appear to not be listening when spoken to directly, have trouble following instructions or struggle to finish tasks
• Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms: Patients with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD may fidget or squirm a lot, have trouble staying still for long periods of time or talk excessively. They may also act impulsively without thinking about the consequences, have difficulty waiting their turn or interrupt others often.
• Combined type symptoms: Patients with the combined type of ADHD experience a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

ADHD patients may also experience complications in their life as a result of their disorder, including:

• Academic problems: Patients with ADHD may struggle in school due to their symptoms. They may have difficulty paying attention, following instructions or completing tasks. As a result, patients with ADHD may get lower grades than their peers or have trouble progressing to the next grade level
• Behavioural problems: Patients with ADHD may act impulsively or have outbursts of anger. This can lead to problems in their relationships with other people

What are Treatments for ADHD?

There is no cure for ADHD, but there are several treatment options available that can help patients manage their symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment typically involves a combination of medication, behavioural therapy and educational support.

Below are some treatment options for patients with ADHD:

• Medication: Stimulant medications are the most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which helps to improve focus and concentration. Common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall)
• Non-stimulant medications: Non-stimulant medications can also be used to treat ADHD. These medications work by affecting different chemicals in the brain than stimulants. Common non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv)
• Behavioural therapy: Behavioural therapy involves working with a therapist to learn ways to manage ADHD symptoms. Therapy can help patients develop coping mechanisms, set goals and overcome challenges
• Educational support: Educational support can involve making adjustments to the way information is presented to patients with ADHD. This may include using visual aids or breaking down instructions into smaller steps. Educational support can also involve helping patients develop organizational skills and study habits

Other less common treatments include neurofeedback and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Medicinal Cannabis and ADHD

In line with the advancement of medicine is the emergence of medicinal cannabis as a potential treatment option for patients with ADHD.

Medicinal cannabis is made up of the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. It contains a range of chemical compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is the main medicinal compound in cannabis. It does not have any psychoactive effects, which means it will not get patients “high”. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is this compound that gives users the “high” associated with recreational use of cannabis.

For ADHD, research surrounding the use of medicinal cannabis, specifically the CBD compound, is ongoing. Early studies suggest that CBD may be a promising treatment option for patients with ADHD. However, there have also been studies indicating that ADHD patients are more susceptible to substance abuse and misuse, and as a result, research on the methodology of prescribing medicinal cannabis to ADHD patients is still ongoing.

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabis and ADHD

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may care for ADHD symptoms.

What’s the meaning of medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, is the use of the cannabis plant or its derivatives to treat a range of medical conditions. A medicinal cannabis product contains hundreds of different chemical compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is the main medicinal compound in cannabis, while THC is the main psychoactive compound that gives users a “high” feeling.

Is medical CBD legal in Australia?

Yes, medical CBD is legal in Australia. In 2016, the Australian Government legalised the use of most medicinal cannabis products for patients with a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.

The medicinal cannabis industry in Australia is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which also manages access to medicinal cannabis. In order to purchase and use medicinal cannabis, patients first need to obtain a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Once a patient has a valid prescription, they can then apply for an access permit from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The ability to prescribe medicinal cannabis is tightly regulated and medical practitioners need to provide the TGA with a detailed treatment plan for their patient, outlining the proposed use of medicinal cannabis. The TGA will assess each application on a case-by-case basis before approving the prescription of the appropriate medicinal cannabis product.

What is an ADHD person like?

An ADHD person is typically someone who has difficulty paying attention, is easily distractible and may also be impulsive. ADHD can affect both children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood and can persist into adulthood.