Obsessive-compulsive disorders afflict approximately 2.3 percent of the American population ages 18 to 54, reports the National Institute of Mental Health, as cited by "Life Extension." MayoClinic.com defines compulsive behavior as an anxiety disorder, characterized by unjustified negative thoughts and fears. These obsessive thoughts cause you to commit repetitive, compulsive acts. L-theanine supplements, invented by Japanese scientists, potentially treat overcompulsive behavior.
Causes vs. Symptoms
Effectively treating psychological disorders requires dealing with the root causes, not the symptoms. Repetitive acts exemplify symptoms of an anxiety disorder. L-theanine, a water soluble amino acid found in green tea and mushrooms, potentially alleviates anxiety, explains Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital. Relieving the anxiety that catalyzes overly compulsive behavior may help you deal with the symptoms, but as of the time of publication, no studies directly link L-theanine with treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders. Reports of successful treatment are anecdotal.
L-Theanine and Brain Waves
The Family Health Guide states that L-theanine increases the brain's alpha waves, creating a relaxed but mentally alert state often achieved in meditation. In 1998, reports "Natural Health Magazine," a group of Japanese researchers measured the alpha brain waves of eight students with high or low anxiety. The research team gave the subjects plain water for the first and fourth weeks, 50 mg of L-theanine mixed in water the second and fifth weeks, and 200 mg of L-theanine mixed in water the third and sixth weeks. The results of brain wave topography tests indicated that the subjects who took the 200 mg of L-theanine had the greatest increase in alpha brain waves and reported feeling less stressed than the other participants.
How it Works
A 1999 article featured in "Trends in Food Science & Technology" explains how L-theanine affects the brain. Lead author Lekh Raj Juneja reported that L-theanine acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and decreased blood pressure reducer in hypertensive rats. Lowering your blood pressure may indirectly alleviate anxiety. The ability of L-theanine to cross the blood brain barrier means that you can feel its relaxation effects within 30 to 40 minutes of consuming it. L-theanine also increases brain serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with positive mood. Since MayoClinic.com explains that compulsive disorders may result from insufficient serotonin, L-theanine may relieve some of its symptoms.
Considerations
Memorial-Sloan Kettering reports that at the time of publication, there are no known adverse side effects of taking L-theanine, but if you have a sensitive stomach, drinking green tea may cause nausea and gastrointestinal upset. L-theanine is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Given the complexity of obsessive-compulsive disorders, and given the lack of direct proof that L-theanine offers a cure, consult your doctor before taking this supplement or drinking it in green tea. She may suggest psychiatric care, antidepressants or a combination of treatments.
References
- "Life Extension"; Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Memorial Sloan Kettering: L-Theanine
- Family Health Guide UK; 7 Natural Remedies to Combat Negative Moods; Dr Kristie McNealy
- "Natural Health"; Destress with L-theanine; Jasmin Thankachen; October 2002
- "Trends in Food Science & Technology"; L-theanine- A Unique Amino Acid of Green Tea and Its Relaxation Effect in Humans; Lekh Raj Juneja, Djong-Chi Chu, Tsutomu Okubo, Yukiko Nagato, Hidehiko Yokogoshi; June 1999
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