Uso da Cannabis sativa no tratamento do transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

Cannabidiol is one of the main components of the Cannabis sativa plant, its applicability is more recommended for medicinal use. Studies show that the use of cannabidiol is capable of significantly improving the symptoms of patients with autism, thus increasing their quality of life. In this sense, the objective of this study was to carry out a narrative review of the literature in order to present the possible applications of cannabidiol in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), presenting this derivative of Cannabis as a therapeutic alternative to treat symptoms and comorbidities of autism. Searches were carried out on the PubMed database and gray literature articles on Google Scholar. This review examined 7 studies published between 2017 and 2023, including randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled clinical trials, clinical and observational studies, lasting from 2 months to 2 years and 6 months, carried out in the United Kingdom, Israel, Turkey It's in Brazil. Samples ranged from 18 to 188 patients, including children and adults with and without ASD. The studies evaluated the safety and effectiveness of medicinal Cannabis in treating patients with ASD and the effects of Cannabidiol on the brain. Outcomes were assessed based on home situation questionnaires (QSD), Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scales with Disruptive Behaviors (CGI-I), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), structured questionnaires, interviews and clinical assessments. Studies have demonstrated the potential effectiveness of Cannabidiol in the treatment of ASD, with results indicating a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and aggression, improvement in social and communication skills, reduction in repetitive behaviors, and improvement in sleep quality. However, there is a need for additional long-term studies to better understand its effects, dosage, safety and efficacy.