A pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy using cannabinoid extracts as complementary therapy: a case report

Journal of Medical Case Reports

Kim Smyth¹  Robert Lawrence Tanguay²  Juliana Andrea Ponton²  Mark Lewis²  Sergio Andres Llanos²  Wilhelm August Meerholz²  Elias Soumbasis² 

[1] Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada;Caleo Health, Suite 200, 1402 8th Ave N.W., T2N 1B9, Calgary, AB, Canada;

关键词: Autism;    Cannabidiol extract;    Phytocannabinoids;    Complementary treatment;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13256-020-02478-7

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe pharmacological treatment for autism spectrum disorders is often poorly tolerated and has traditionally targeted associated conditions, with limited benefit for the core social deficits. We describe the novel use of a cannabidiol-based extract that incidentally improved core social deficits and overall functioning in a patient with autism spectrum disorder, at a lower dose than has been previously reported in autism spectrum disorder.Case presentationThe parents of a 15-year-old boy, of South African descent, with autism spectrum disorder, selective mutism, anxiety, and controlled epilepsy, consulted a medical cannabis physician to trial cannabis extract to replace seizure medications. Incidentally, at a very low cannabidiol-based extract dose, he experienced unanticipated positive effects on behavioral symptoms and core social deficits.ConclusionThis case report provides evidence that a lower than previously reported dose of a phytocannabinoid in the form of a cannabidiol-based extract may be capable of aiding in autism spectrum disorder-related behavioral symptoms, core social communication abilities, and comorbid anxiety, sleep difficulties, and weight control. Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical role and underlying biological mechanisms of action of cannabidiol-based extract in patients with autism spectrum disorder.

【 授权许可】

CC BY