Depression is a chronic illness that may lead to suicide if left untreated. It affects more than 20 million people in the United States according to MedlinePlus. Effective treatment options for depression are antidepressants and psychological therapy. However, the effectiveness of various treatments varies in different patients. Supplements can improve the results of standard medications and help relieve symptoms of depression. Theanine is a supplement used to help relieve some symptoms of anxiety. Consult a doctor before using supplements due to the possibility of adverse interactions with standard medication.
Depression Symptoms & Causes
Many symptoms are associated with depression and more than four subtypes of depression are known. Common symptoms include unhappiness, oversleeping or insomnia, loss of energy, agitation and low libido. According to Mayoclinic.com, anxiety is common in people suffering from depression, particularly in children and teens with the condition. Several factors cause depression including genetics, trauma and imbalances in neurotransmitters in the brain, and more than one may be involved in individual cases.
Theanine & Dosage
Green tea is the primary natural source of theanine. It is a nonessential amino acid helpful in improving mood and historically noted for its calming effect and for reducing anxiety, according to Dr. Jonny Bowden, author of "Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth". Theanine induces the release of dopamine and a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. Bowden recommends 200 mg of theanine daily. This recommended dose doesn't take into account depression medication, therefore adverse effects may occur. Consult a doctor before using theanine to treat your condition.
Theanine Research
Theanine is the subject of several studies on its effects in treating mental-health-related illnesses. An article published in 2007 in "Biological Psychology," authored by medical professionals from Nagoya University Department of Psychology, reports that theanine reduced stress in participants of the double-blind study. "The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" published findings that theanine reduced anxiety in schizophrenic patients. Neither study measured the effects of theanine on depression.
Considerations
Theanine effectively helps relieve symptoms of anxiety. Although anxiety is common in people suffering from depression, theanine does not alleviate other symptoms associated with depression. Therefore, theanine cannot replace standard treatments. Note that theanine can interact adversely with depression medication because of its anti-anxiety effects, so be sure to consult a doctor before using theanine. Leading a healthy lifestyle and learning more about your condition will help improve your symptoms of depression.
References
- MedlinePlus: Depression
- MayoClinic.com: Depression: Symptoms
- Mayoclinic.com: Depression: Causes
- "Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth"; Dr. Jonny Bowden; 2008
- "Biological Psychology"; L-Theanine Reduces Psychological and Physiological Stress Responses; K. Kimura et al.; 2007
- "The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; L-Theanine Relieves Positive, Activation and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients With Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder; M.S. Ritsner et al.; November 2010
