Regarded as a high-functioning form of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) group. This group of disabilities is a developmental condition that leads to challenges in communication, behaviour, and social interaction.
Finding effective treatments for people navigating the complexities of AS can be a challenging process. Traditional treatments often involve behavioural therapy and prescription medication. However, forms of the latter – most notably risperidone – have the potential to present serious side effects on the person’s mind, body, and behaviour. As a result, a growing interest in markets for alternative treatments have emerged over the course of time, as we find ways to address symptoms and behaviours without unwanted side effects.
Recently, there has been growing interest in natural alternatives – particularly cannabidiol (CBD). Discover the benefits of CBD oil for Aspergers with the team at AltMed in this article.
Can CBD Help with Asperger’s Syndrome?
People with Asperger’s aren’t always diagnosed at an early age because they are often intelligent and may even have good verbal skills. However, one telling sign is their lack of social skills – which can manifest through difficulties in interacting and communicating socially, and restricted or repetitive behaviour patterns. This can often give cause to stress, anxiety, and depression.
The good news is that anecdotal evidence shows CBD helps to mitigate AS symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and sensory issues.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive and doesn’t lead to a user high – however, research has not yet proven whether it has the capacity to cure medical conditions. What’s only been proven is the anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and analgesic benefits of CBD, which have shown extraordinary effects in alleviating common AS symptoms.
Examining the Research: Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Aspergers Symptoms
Research on the overall benefits of CBD is in its early stages. Despite that, CBD has already shown great promise for treating incurable conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cancer, epilepsy, and ASD. Here are a few benefits that studies have found.
Boosting Anandamide Production
Anandamide is one of the body’s natural endocannabinoids, which balances the messages exchanged between brain cells. When the body lacks this compound, there is nothing to keep these messages in check, leading to too much information exchange. One of the basis of using CBD treatment is to reduce the number of messages flooding the brain’s cells.
Those with AS have markedly low levels of anandamide, serotonin, and dopamine. While the exact mechanism is yet unknown, many studies have proven that CBD oil for Aspergers helps increase and prevent the degradation of anandamide in the body. It also increases the chemical’s release rate. This helps regulate the cognitive processes of those with AS in anxious or stressful moments, and has the potential to improve mood.
May Reduce Seizure Frequency and Severity
The development of seizures and their rate of occurrence is common in people with AS as they age. Reducing the frequency and severity of these is key to managing AS symptoms.
In recent years, studies have found that CBD is an effective treatment for seizures and epilepsy. Its effects are said to be similar to other commonly used anti-epileptic medications. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a prescription drug CBD called epidolex to treat Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes, two rare forms of epilepsy.
For epilepsy patients, CBD is shown to control and prevent breakthrough seizures from happening. However, it does not treat the underlying cause and results vary from person to person. This gives great hope in the treatment of seizures in AS patients, especially since studies are broadening their research to involve other illnesses involving seizures such as AS.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Anxiety relief is one of the most common uses of CBD. Various studies have shown that it increases serotonin production, reduces inflammation, and eases muscle tension. Research also shows that CBD positively interacts with the part of the brain responsible for emotions.
Key Takeaway – CBD Oil for Aspergers
While traditional therapies and medications have their place, the potential of CBD offers a promising natural alternative. From reducing anxiety and improving mood to managing seizures, CBD could help enhance the quality of life of those suffering from AS.
To learn more about CBD benefits, check out our blog at AltMed. For more questions or inquiries about our products, feel free to reach out to us.