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Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Medicinal Cannabis and CBD in Mental Healthcare

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex behavioral condition that is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, stereotypic or repetitive behaviors, restricted patterns of interest, and sensory issues including extreme responses. It begins in early childhood and extends throughout life. It is associated with several comorbidities including anxiety, depression, seizures, sleep disorders, psychosis, metabolic disorders, and others, as well as premature mortality. The etiology and pathogenesis of ASD are complex and involve altered neurodevelopment during early pregnancy. Genetic and environmental factors are involved, as are altered development of neural connectivity, mutations in genes, inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and abnormal endocannabinoid tone and signaling. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the modulation of many cellular functions and molecular pathways altered in ASD. This chapter will present an overview of the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD with a focus on how the endocannabinoid system is involved. It will then discuss the scientific evidence for why cannabidiol (CBD) shows promise in the treatment of ASD.

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O’Brien, K., Blair, P. (2021). Autism Spectrum Disorder. In: Medicinal Cannabis and CBD in Mental Healthcare. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78559-8_10

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