Therapeutic Profile of Cannabidiol in the Broad Symptomatology of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence From Basic Science to Clinical Approaches

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose symptoms include impaired communication and social interaction, stereotypies, and varying levels of intellectual disability. Together with these symptoms are co-occurring psychiatric or neurological conditions, often with hyperactivity and attention disorders, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy. So far, no effective treatment for ASD is available, possibly because its neurobiological basis and heterogeneous nature are not clearly understood. Clinical and preclinical trials support the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the patho-physiology of ASD. Cannabidiol (CBD), the main nonpsychotomimetic compound of the cannabis plant, interacts with the endocannabinoid system and has significant therapeutic potential in treating several psychiatric disorders and manifestations of ASD. After this article, readers are expected to have a broad understanding of current scientific evidence and perspectives on the use of CBD in cases of ASD. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2023;53(6):247–251.]