Évaluation du potentiel thérapeutique du cannabidiol sur l’anxiété, la sociabilité et les troubles comportementaux chez l’enfant présentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme

Details

Supervisors

Lambert, Didier

Faculty

Faculté de pharmacie et des sciences biomédicales

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences pharmaceutiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. Beyond these core features, some children present associated symptoms, including anxiety, difficulties in socialization, and behavioral disorders, which significantly affect their quality of life and that of their families. Currently available pharmacological treatments remain limited and primarily symptomatic, with variable efficacy and sometimes significant adverse effects. In this context, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa, has attracted increasing interest due to its favorable tolerability profile and its potential pharmacological effects on emotional and behavioral regulation. The aim of this master’s thesis is to critically analyze recent clinical data regarding the use of CBD in children with ASD, focusing on three major clinical dimensions: anxiety, social functioning, and behavioral disorders. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, including randomized controlled clinical trials published between 2020 and 2025. The results indicate variable effects of CBD depending on the studies, the formulations used (pure CBD or whole-plant extracts), the administered doses, and the assessment tools employed. Some studies report significant improvements in anxiety, agitation, and certain aspects of social functioning, whereas others do not demonstrate a significant benefit compared with placebo. Overall, current evidence suggests a promising therapeutic potential of CBD in the management of certain ASD-associated symptoms, while also highlighting important methodological limitations. This work emphasizes the need for future large-scale, well- standardized clinical trials in order to better define the efficacy, safety, and role of CBD in the therapeutic management of autism spectrum disorder.