Self-Reported Effects of Cannabis on ADHD Symptoms, ADHD Medication Side Effects, and ADHD-Related Executive Dysfunction

2021 ◽  
pp. 108705472110509
Author(s):  
Amanda Stueber ◽  
Carrie Cuttler
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Adhd Medication ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Medication Side Effects ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Medication Side

Objective: People with ADHD are more likely to use cannabis but little is known about the effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, ADHD medication side effects, or ADHD-related executive dysfunction. Method: Students ( n = 1,738) completed an online survey containing measures of ADHD symptoms, cannabis use, perceived effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms and medication side effects, as well as executive dysfunction. Results: Participants with ADHD who have used cannabis reported that cannabis has acute beneficial effects on many symptoms of ADHD (e.g., hyperactivity, impulsivity). Further, they perceived cannabis to improve most of their medication side effects (e.g., irritability, anxiety). Finally, cannabis use frequency was a significant moderator of the associations between symptom severity and executive dysfunction. Conclusion: Results suggest people with ADHD may be using cannabis to self-medicate for many of their symptoms and medication side effects and that more frequent use may mitigate ADHD-related executive dysfunction.

scholarly journals Beyond the high: Mapping patterns of use and motives for use of cannabis as medicine

2021 ◽  
pp. 145507252098596
Author(s):  
Sinikka L. Kvamme ◽  
Michael M. Pedersen ◽  
Sagi Alagem-Iversen ◽  
Birgitte Thylstrup
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Patient Organisations ◽  
Patterns Of Use

Background: In Denmark the boundaries between cannabis as an illicit drug and licit medicine have shifted rapidly in recent years, affecting also policy. However, the vast majority of Danes, who use cannabis as medicine (CaM) continue to rely on the unregulated market for supply. This study explores patterns of use and motives for use of CaM in Denmark. Methods: An anonymous online survey was made available to a convenience sample of users of CaM from July 14, 2018 to November 1, 2018. Participants were recruited through patient organisations, social and public media, and the illegal open cannabis market. Results: Of the final sample ( n = 3,021), a majority were women (62.6%) and the mean age was 49 years. Most had no prescription for CaM (90.9%), a majority had no or limited previous experience with recreational cannabis use (63.9%), and had used CaM for two years or less (65.0%). The most common form of intake was oil (56.8%) followed by smoke (24.0%). CBD oil (65.0%) was used more than hash, pot or skunk (36.2%). Most frequent conditions treated were chronic pain (32.0%), sleep disturbances (27.5%), stress (23.7%), osteoarthritis (22.7%), anxiety (19.6%), and depression (19.6%). Overall, users experienced CaM to be effective in managing somatic and mental health conditions and reported relatively few side-effects. CBD oil only users were more likely to be women, older, have limited recreational experience and have initiated use recently. Conclusions: A new user group has emerged in Denmark that, for the most part, use illegally sourced CaM to treat a broad range of somatic and mental health conditions, often with experienced effect and relatively low level of side-effects. The prevalent use of low-potency CBD oil indicates an interest in effects beyond the high normally associated with cannabis use. More clinical research into the effects and side-effects of CaM is needed to draw the boundaries of the medical utility of cannabis.

Medication side effects

BMJ ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 341 (sep15 2) ◽  
pp. c4999-c4999
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Medication Side Effects ◽  
Medication Side

scholarly journals Cutaneous Effects of Notch Inhibitor Therapy: A Report of Two Cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Claire J. Wiggins ◽  
Susan Y. Chon
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽  
Disease Pathogenesis ◽  
Cutaneous Side Effects ◽  
Medication Side Effects ◽  
Medication Side ◽  
Notch Pathways ◽  
Inhibitor Treatment

As aberrant Notch signaling has been linked to cancerous growth, Notch inhibitors represent a novel category of targeted oncological therapy. Notch pathways in tumor cells may contribute to proliferation or limit apoptosis and differentiation. Healthy skin differentiation and homeostasis are reliant on normal Notch expression, and disruption of this signaling has been implicated in dermatological conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and lichen planus. Here, we describe two cases of patients with cutaneous side effects from Notch inhibitor treatment for adenoid cyst carcinoma (ACC) and review the role of Notch signaling in skin disease. By illuminating connections between medication side effects and disease pathogenesis, our goal is to increase awareness of the cutaneous side effects of Notch inhibitor treatment.

Beliefs about medications predict adherence to antidepressants in older adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed Fawzi ◽  
Mohamed Yousry Abdel Mohsen ◽  
Abdel Hamid Hashem ◽  
Suaad Moussa ◽  
Elizabeth Coker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Poor Adherence ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Medication Side Effects ◽  
Beliefs About Medicines ◽  
Medication Side ◽  
Highly Correlated

ABSTRACTBackground: Adherence to treatment is a complex and poorly understood phenomenon. This study investigates the relationship between older depressed patients’ adherence to antidepressants and their beliefs about and knowledge of the medication.Methods: Assessment was undertaken of 108 outpatients over the age of 55 years diagnosed with depressive disorder and treated for at least four weeks with antidepressants. Adherence was assessed using two self-report measures: the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and a Global Adherence Measure (GAM). Potential predictors of adherence investigated included sociodemographic, medication and illness variables. In addition, 33 carers were interviewed regarding general medication beliefs.Results: 56% of patients reported 80% or higher adherence on the GAM. Sociodemographic variables were not associated with adherence on the MARS. Specific beliefs about medicines, such as “my health depends on antidepressants” (necessity) and being less worried about becoming dependant on antidepressants (concern) were highly correlated with adherence. General beliefs about medicines causing harm or being overprescribed, experiencing medication side-effects and severity of depression also correlated with poor adherence. Linear regression with the MARS as the dependent variable explained 44.3% of the variance and showed adherence to be higher in subjects with healthy specific beliefs who received more information about antidepressants and worse with depression severity and autonomic side-effects.Conclusions: Our findings strongly support a role for specific beliefs about medicines in adherence. Challenging patients’ beliefs, providing information about treatment and discussing side-effects could improve adherence. Poor response to treatment and medication side-effects can indicate poor adherence and should be considered before switching medications.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document