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

Ponton et al. ·Journal of medical case reports Impact 0.9

Unclear GRADE Very low 32 citations

Samplen = 1 Pat.

Durationunclear

EndpointSocial communication /…

Blindingn.a.

DesignFallserie

Cannabinoidcbd

Routeoral

Key finding

Case report of a 15-year-old patient with autism spectrum disorder, who showed unexpectedly positive effects on behavioral symptoms, social deficits and comorbidities at a low dose of a cannabidiol-based extract; further research is considered necessary.

Summary

Single case report (n=1): 15-year-old patient with ASD, selective mutism, anxiety and controlled epilepsy. CBD-based extract at low dose led to positive effects on behavioral symptoms, core symptoms of social communication, as well as comorbid anxiety, sleep problems and weight control. Dose lower than previously reported for ASD.

Population15-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder, selective mutism, anxiety disorder and controlled epilepsy, n=1

InterventionCBD-based cannabinoid extract (low dose, oral), as add-on therapy

OutcomeUnexpected positive effects on behavioral symptoms, core social deficits, anxiety, sleep and weight control at very low CBD dose

Confidence in the evidence

Very low

The lowest GRADE level, the effect estimate remains uncertain.

Downgraded for

Imprecision

Quality profile

Sample size ★★★★★

Blinding —

Effect size —

Citations / year ★★★★★

Authors

Ponton JA, Smyth K, Soumbasis E, Llanos SA, Lewis M, Meerholz WA, Tanguay RL

DOI 10.1186/s13256-020-02478-7↗

Design: Fallserie

Abstract

Background: The 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 Presentation: The 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. Conclusion: This 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.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius