Schizophrenia is a lifelong, chronic illness requiring medical treatment for symptom management. However, along with following doctor-recommended medication and psychotherapy regimens, some people have found certain dietary supplements helpful. Some research suggests that l-theanine can relieve certain symptoms of schizophrenia in some patients. Always consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
About L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in natural sources like green tea and mushrooms. It is also available as a dietary supplement in capsule, tablet and powder form. Theanine has been studied for its anxiety-relieving effects, and researchers believe that part of its mechanism of action may be due to its indirect impact on dopamine and serotonin. A clinical review published in the April 2001 issue of the alternative medicine journal, " Alternative and Complementary Therapies," states that theanine appears to promote relaxation and increases alpha brain waves, which occur during relaxed states of mind. Theanine may also relieve positive and anxiety symptoms in some schizophrenic patients.
Symptoms in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia causes a number of debilitating symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, schizophrenia symptoms can be classified as positive or negative. Positive symptoms are distortions of normal functions and include delusions, hallucinations, thought disorder and disorganized behavior. Negative symptoms are those which detract from normal functioning capabilities and include flattened emotional affect, a lack of attention to personal care and avoiding social contact. Additionally, people with schizophrenia sometimes experience anxiety or mood swings.
Clinical Evidence
Two clinical studies indicate the possible benefits of theanine supplementation for schizophrenia. One study, published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry," noted that schizophrenic research participants who received theanine supplementation experienced a decrease in anxiety and positive symptoms compared with those who received a placebo. Another study, published in the May 2011 issue of the journal, "Clinical Neuropharmacology," hypothesized that theanine supplementation may relieve symptoms of schizophrenia via its impact on circulating levels of BDNF, a brain protein that plays a role in neuron growth and development; and cortisol and DHEA levels, stress-response chemicals that occur in higher amounts among schizophrenic patients than in the general population.
Considerations
You should never use dietary supplements as a substitute for your doctor's advice or to self-treat any symptoms you may be experiencing. Consult your doctor to discuss your symptoms and to obtain proper treatment. Inform your doctor if you plan to use a theanine supplement.
References
- "Alternative and Complementary Therapies"; 200 mg of Zen: L-Theanine Boosts Alpha Waves, Promotes Alert Relaxation; R. Mason; April 2001
- Mayo Clinic: Schizophrenia: Symptoms
- "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; L-theanine relieves positive, activation, and anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-center study; M.S. Ritsner, et al; January 2011
- "Clinical Neuropharmacology"; Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cortisol to Sulfate of Dehydroepiandrosterone Molar Ratio Associated With Clinical Response to l-Theanine as Augmentation of Antipsychotic Therapy in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder Patients; L. Miodownik, et al; May 2011
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