Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a type of anxiety disorder that severely affects your ability to function in everyday life and your overall sense of well-being. While a number of treatments may relieve symptoms of this debilitating disease, some people believe that nutritional supplements like theanine may have a beneficial impact on OCD. Consult your doctor, however, before using any dietary supplement.
Facts About OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects about 2.2 million American adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The main characteristics of OCD are obsessions -- intrusive, persistent and unwanted thoughts -- usually occurring in response to fear or anxiety; and compulsions -- ritualized behaviors performed in an attempt to get rid of or manage the obsessions. Common behaviors of people suffering from OCD include obsessive hand-washing; repeated, compulsive checking, such as checking that you've turned off the oven or locked the door; and religious obsessions and compulsions. OCD is typically treated with psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions and medication. However, some patients do not respond well to these treatment modalities, so scientists look for improved or natural remedies. Anecdotal evidence suggests that theanine may help improve symptoms of OCD, although research confirming the benefits is still extremely limited.
About Theanine
Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea, made from the leaves of the evergreen plant known as Camellia sinensis. Theanine is also found in a certain type of edible mushroom known as Boletus badius. According to Drugs.com, theanine has been reported to have an anti-anxiety effect and may help alleviate stress without the drowsiness associated with certain other remedies and medications, although the evidence supporting this claim is limited. Some people believe that theanine can improve symptoms of OCD due to its anxiety-relieving properties, but the evidence is largely anecdotal.
Clinical Evidence
While no studies have been specifically conducted on theanine's effects on obsessive-compulsive disorder, several studies have shown the benefits of theanine for anxiety. A study published in the December 2009 issue of the "Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists" showed that theanine had an anxiety-relieving effect on laboratory rats subjected to a behavioral test known as the elevated-plus maze test. Another study, published in the February 1998 issue of the "Journal of the Agricultural Chemical Society of Japan," showed that theanine increased emission of alpha brain waves, which occur during times of relaxation, in study participants. This study suggests that theanine may have a beneficial effect on anxiety by inducing a sense of relaxation, although further studies are needed to validate this.
Considerations
While theanine supplementation may improve symptoms of anxiety associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, you should not use dietary supplements as a replacement for your doctor's advice or to self-treat any symptoms you have. Consult your doctor if you think you may be suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Inform your doctor if you plan to take any dietary supplements, such as theanine, especially if you take any medication or have a medical condition.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Drugs.com: L-Theanine
- "Journal of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists"; Anxiolytic effects of L-theanine--a component of green tea--when combined with midazolam, in the male Sprague-Dawley rat; T. Heese, et al; December 2009
- "Journal of the Agricultural Chemical Society of Japan"; Effects of L-theanine on the release of alpha-brain waves in human volunteers; K. Kobayashi, et al; February 1998
