1. Caregivers' Perspectives on the Impact of Cannabidiol (CBD) Treatment for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut Syndromes: A Multinational Qualitative Study.
- Author
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Marshall J, Skrobanski H, Moore-Ramdin L, Kornalska K, Swinburn P, and Bowditch S
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Young Adult, Behavioral Symptoms drug therapy, Cognition drug effects, Communication, Interviews as Topic, Quality of Life, Seizures drug therapy, Seizures complications, Verbal Behavior drug effects, Cannabidiol administration & dosage, Cannabidiol therapeutic use, Caregivers psychology, Epilepsies, Myoclonic drug therapy, Epilepsies, Myoclonic complications, Lennox Gastaut Syndrome complications, Lennox Gastaut Syndrome drug therapy, Qualitative Research
- Abstract
Objective: To increase understanding of the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) on outcomes beyond seizure control among individuals with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome., Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome treated with plant-derived, highly purified CBD medicine (Epidiolex in the USA; Epidyolex in Europe; 100 mg/mL oral solution). Symptoms and impacts of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome on individuals were explored, as were the effects of CBD. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis., Results: Twenty-one caregivers of individuals with Dravet syndrome (n = 14) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (n = 7) aged 4-22 years participated. Health-related quality of life improvements associated with CBD included cognitive function, communication, behavior, mobility, and participation in daily activities. Seizure frequency reduction was commonly reported (n = 12), resulting in caregivers having greater freedom and family life being less disrupted. Adverse events were reported by 10 caregivers., Conclusion: In addition to reduced seizure frequency, CBD may have a wide range of beneficial effects beyond seizure control that warrant further investigation.
- Published
- 2023
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