Abstract Objective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Some studies have shown that substances derived from Cannabis sativa improve the quality of life of children with ASD without causing serious adverse effects, thus providing an alternative therapeutic option. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a cannabis extract rich in cannabidiol (CBD) in children with ASD. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 children, aged from 5 to 11 years, were selected and divided into two groups: the treatment group, which received the CBD-rich cannabis extract, and the control group, which received the placebo. They both used their respective products for a period of 12 weeks. Statistical analysis was done by two-factor mixed analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA). Results Significant results were found for social interaction (F1,116 = 14.13, p = 0.0002), anxiety (F1,116 = 5.99, p = 0.016), psychomotor agitation (F1,116 = 9.22, p = 0.003), number of meals a day (F1,116 = 4.11, p = 0.04), and concentration (F1,48 = 6.75, p = 0.01), the last of which was only significant in mild ASD cases. Regarding safety, it was found that only three children in the treatment group (9.7%) had adverse effects, namely dizziness, insomnia, colic, and weight gain. Conclusion CBD-rich cannabis extract was found to improve one of the diagnostic criteria for ASD (social interaction), as well as features that often co-exist with ASD, and to have few serious adverse effects. (ASD behavior effects option CBD (CBD randomized doubleblind, doubleblind double blind, blind double-blind placebocontrolled placebo controlled trial 6 1 years groups CBDrich weeks twofactor factor twoway way ANOVA. ANOVA . ANOVA) F1,116 F1116 F F1 116 (F1,11 1413 14 13 14.13 0.0002, 00002 0.0002 , 0 0002 0.0002) 599 99 5.99 0.016, 0016 0.016 016 0.016) 922 9 22 9.22 0.003, 0003 0.003 003 0.003) 411 4 4.11 0.04, 004 0.04 04 0.04) F1,48 F148 48 (F1,4 675 75 6.75 0.01, 001 0.01 01 0.01) cases 9.7% 97 7 (9.7% dizziness insomnia colic gain interaction, interaction) coexist co exist F1,11 F111 (F1,1 141 14.1 0000 0.000 000 59 5.9 92 2 9.2 0.00 00 41 4.1 0.0 F1,4 F14 (F1, 67 6.7 9.7 (9.7 F1,1 F11 14. 5. 9. 4. 0. F1, (F1 6. (9. (F (9 (

Abstract Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, associated with the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Cannabis has been used to alleviate symptoms associated with ASD. Method We carried out a systematic review of studies that investigated the clinical effects of cannabis and cannabinoid use on ASD, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA checklist). The search was carried out in four databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Scopus, and Web of Science. No limits were established for language during the selection process. Nine studies were selected and analyzed. Results Some studies showed that cannabis products reduced the number and/or intensity of different symptoms, including hyperactivity, attacks of self-mutilation and anger, sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, psychomotor agitation, irritability, aggressiveness perseverance, and depression. Moreover, they found an improvement in cognition, sensory sensitivity, attention, social interaction, and language. The most common adverse effects were sleep disorders, restlessness, nervousness and change in appetite. Conclusion Cannabis and cannabinoids may have promising effects in the treatment of symptoms related to ASD, and can be used as a therapeutic alternative in the relief of those symptoms. However, randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to clarify findings on the effects of cannabis and its cannabinoids in individuals with ASD. Systematic review registration International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), code 164161.

Abstract Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, associated with the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Cannabis has been used to alleviate symptoms associated with ASD. Method We carried out a systematic review of studies that investigated the clinical effects of cannabis and cannabinoid use on ASD, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA checklist). The search was carried out in four databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Scopus, and Web of Science. No limits were established for language during the selection process. Nine studies were selected and analyzed. Results Some studies showed that cannabis products reduced the number and/or intensity of different symptoms, including hyperactivity, attacks of self-mutilation and anger, sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, psychomotor agitation, irritability, aggressiveness perseverance, and depression. Moreover, they found an improvement in cognition, sensory sensitivity, attention, social interaction, and language. The most common adverse effects were sleep disorders, restlessness, nervousness and change in appetite. Conclusion Cannabis and cannabinoids may have promising effects in the treatment of symptoms related to ASD, and can be used as a therapeutic alternative in the relief of those symptoms. However, randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to clarify findings on the effects of cannabis and its cannabinoids in individuals with ASD. Systematic review registration International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), code 164161.

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar as condições de vida de adolescentes do sexo feminino em situação de rua, envolvidas com o abuso de drogas e com a prostituição, visando orientar estratégias de prevenção às Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis - DST/AIDS. Foram entrevistadas sete adolescentes entre 14 e 19 anos, por meio de roteiro semi-estruturado com questões sobre escolaridade; desligamento da família; violência; histórico de uso de drogas, sexualidade e existência de DST/AIDS; vida na rua e futuro. Observou-se que os principais motivos que levaram essas adolescentes à rua foram violência doméstica; baixo nível sócio-econômico familiar e abuso de múltiplas drogas. As entrevistadas afirmaram conhecer medidas preventivas para as DST/AIDS, porém não as aplicaram aos clientes fixos e namorados. A análise dos resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa confirma a importância da criação de estratégias específicas para as DST/AIDS, além da adequação da rede educacional e de atenção psicossocial às necessidades das adolescentes para a garantia de seus direitos e conquista da emancipação.

The aim of this study was to investigate living conditions of female street adolescents, who are involved with illicit and licit drugs, and with prostitution, in the city of Santo André, as well as to tailor strategies for STD/AIDS prevention. We have interviewed seven adolescents, aged from 14 to 19 years old, using a semi-structured questionnaire with questions about education, family disaffection, violence, living on the streets, history of drug use, sexuality, level of information about STD/AIDS, and hopes for the future. We observed that among the reasons for these adolescents to live on the streets were domestic violence, low socioeconomic level, and drug abuse. They stated that they are aware of STD/AIDS preventive measures, but they do not bring them into effect with steady partners and boyfriends. The analysis of our results confirms the importance of creating well-defined strategies to STD/AIDS prevention, additionally to suitable educational system and psychosocial attention service. This will assure adolescents' rights and emancipation.