Anxiety disorders are relatively common mental health conditions, affecting around 40 million American adults every year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While anxiety disorders are generally treated with a combination of medication and counseling, dietary changes and certain nutritional supplements such as creatine may also provide benefits.
About Anxiety Disorders
Clinical anxiety disorders occur in several forms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety can manifest as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While there are different features for each of these disorders, some symptoms are shared. These include feelings of excessive worry or tension, anxiety that occurs for no reason, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, irritability and fearfulness. Conventional treatment options such as psychotherapy and medication can help improve anxiety symptoms, although certain medications can cause unwanted side effects such as sleepiness or sedation. Many people look for alternative remedies in the hopes of avoiding these side effects.
Creatine Facts
Creatine is substance made in your body from specific amino acids and taken in from dietary sources such as wild game, lead red meat and fish. According to MayoClinic.com, creatine is commonly used as a supplement to increase sports performance, muscle mass and to help treat neuromuscular disorders, among other potential uses. Creatine may also have potential mental health benefits, including improving brain performance, energy levels and memory, according to a study published in the October 2003 "Proceedings of the Royal Society B."
Clinical Evidence
A limited number of clinical studies have examined the effects of creatine deficiency and supplementation on different types of anxiety disorders. One study, published in the June 2006 issue of the journal, "Psychiatry Research -- Neuroimaging," showed increased levels of generalized anxiety in patients with low creatine and choline levels. Another study, published in the July 2002 issue of the journal, "NeuroImage," showed reduced concentrations of creatine in the brain's of patients with panic disorder when compared with those of healthy subjects. Additionally, a study published in 2006 in the journal, "Psychopharmacology,' showed that creatine supplementation had a beneficial effect on mood and concentration in patients suffering from sleep deprivation, a common symptom of anxiety disorders. This may indicate that creatine supplementation may provide potential benefits for some of the symptoms of anxiety, although further studies are needed to confirm the benefits for anxiety disorders.
Considerations
Creatine is not a cure for anxiety and should not be used as an alternative to prescription medication or your doctor's advice. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, do not attempt to self-diagnose your condition. Consult your doctor or a qualified mental health professional to obtain a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, creatine appears to be safe. Inform your doctor if you plan to use a creatine supplement, as dietary supplements can cause interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Creatine can result in unwanted side effects such as weight gain, muscle cramps and diarrhea.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Creatine: Evidence
- "Proceedings of the Royal Society B"; Oral Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation...; C. Rae et al; October 2003
- "Psychiatry Research - Neuroimaging"; Decreased Choline and Creatine Levels...;' J. Coplan et al; June 2006
- "NeuroImage"; Reduced Levels of Creatine in the Right Medial Temporal Lobe Region of Panic Disorder Patients...; G. Massana et al; July 2002
- "Psychopharmacology"; Effect of Creatine Supplementation and Sleep Deprivation...; T. McMorris et al; 2006
