I have to laugh at me writing an article about ADHD, and for those who know me I'm sure you are giggling as well. I have struggled for years with this "oh look there's a shiny shiny squirrel" syndrome. The good news? NO! The Great news!... I have been able to stop taking prescription drugs to manage the ten thousand shiny squirrels I chase around.. but we will come back to that.... :-D

In this article we will take a look at ADHD & how CBD can help you or your loved one suffering from ADHD.

Is there a difference between ADD & ADHD?
Yes. These two terms have been confused for many years, and to this day many people use them interchangeably. Alot of the information out there tends to group everything into ADHD because evidently sometime in the 90's doctors began using the term ADHD as a blanket term for the disorders.
ADHD is characterized by trouble concentrating, trouble with impulse control, & excessive activity. Typically people who suffer with ADHD are extremely hyper and always need to be moving.
ADD is characterized by trouble concentrating and inability to focus on a task for a long period of time without the excessive movement and hyperactivity.

What causes ADHD/ADD?
While the exact cause is not known, there is research out there that points to genetics, disturbances in early brain development, environmental factors, toxins and brain injury/trauma.

What are the symptoms of ADHD/ADD?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 3 "subtypes" of ADHD/ADD.

• Predominately Inattentive : Otherwise known (or formerly known) as ADD, most of the symptoms are inattentive or "daydreaming" and unable to focus on tasks for any length of time without becoming distracted. People with inattentive type often are discouraged by careless mistakes they make because of their inability to sustain focus or stay organized.
• Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive : Most of the symptoms presented are hyperactive and/or impulsive. People with hyperactive-impulsive type tend to talk non-stop, interrupt conversations, blurt out things at inappropriate times, have little to no patience, inability to sit (or sit still) for any length of time, running from place to place as if driven by a motor.
• Combined : This is the most commonly diagnosed form and is a mix of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsive subtypes.

Another thing I wanted to discuss in this article is the things once thought to be the culprit for ADHD that research does not support

Sugar : Sugar should be consumed in moderation because it can lead to diabetes and cavities, not ADHD

Bad Parenting : I've heard this thrown around alot in my life and it's just simply not accurate. While environmental factors, social circumstance, and home life can most certainly aggravate symptoms of ADHD, there is no research to back up the thought that it is a cause of the development of ADHD.

TV & Video Games : There is so far zero proof that tv and video games cause ADHD to develop. However, it needs to be said that too much tv or video games can be over stimulating & affect focus and sleep.

Diet : Once upon a time it was believed that food allergies and diet were high on the list of culprits for ADHD, however the research just does not support it. That being said, nutrition is extremely important in body and brain development in children so diet plays a huge role in raising a healthy child.

Sometimes the side effects of pharmaceuticals are worse than the disorder....

So, what is used to treat ADHD and what sort of side effects are you in for? The answer actually surprised me. I was on a stimulant for years and didn't even realize that some of the symptoms I was experiencing was from the medication I was taking.

There are 2 types of ADHD medications classified as stimulant and non-stimulant.

Recognizable stimulant medications include but are certainly not limited to Adderal, Focalin, & Ritalin & carry the following possible side effects:

• rapid heart rate
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• stomach pain/upset stomach
• trouble sleeping
• agitation/mood swings
• uptick in agitation/irritability when medication wears off
• risk of abuse and addiction

Recognizable non-stimulant medications include but are certainly not limited to Strattera, Kapvay, Intuniv & carry the following possible side effects:

• nausea/vomiting
• lightheadedness
• fatigue
• indigestion
• dizziness
• mood swings
• suicidal thoughts

Of course there are many more possible side effects with any medication, these are just some of the most reported side effects I found.

A change in a few things can offer help with symptoms as well.

1. Avoid or limit sugar & artificial sweeteners (try honey in moderation)
2. Avoid or limit foods with artificial colors (Red Dye #40 seems to be high on the list of aggravating offenders)
3. Avoid or limit sodium (avoid MSG all together)
4. Cut out caffeine
5. Establish an exercise program, & make it fun!
6. Establish a strict evening routine to aid in a good nights sleep. Avoid your phone or tv at least half hour before bed, have a warm caffeine free beverage before bed, play soft music or white noise to help you drift off to sleep, make sure you go to bed and wake up at the same times daily, etc.

How does CBD help with ADHD?



CBD helps with ADHD symptoms by modulating the Endocannabinoid System. CBD interacts with CB1 & CB2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex play a key role in modulating impulsive behavior. This is a key symptom of ADHD and one that many times leads to trouble. Many people (absolutely including myself) have found relief with CBD and been able to quit pharmaceutical interventions or avoid them all together. Modulating the Endocannabinoid System with structure, fun exercise, proper nutrition (Avoiding red dyes), and CBD does wonders for the unwanted symptoms of ADHD. Another huge benefit to CBD is better sleep. You do not have to suffer with ADHD, medications that have side effects or don't work at all. CBD should be 1st line of defense or added to a therapeutic program and never the last resort.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.