Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear and stress in social situations. It is possible for this dread to be so crippling that it interferes with the person's ability to do daily chores. Typical symptoms of social anxiety disorder include the following:
- excessive self-consciousness and worry about what other people think
- difficulty interacting with others or having small chat difficulty performing in front of others or speaking in public
- avoiding engagement in or participation in social activities
- Physical symptoms include trembling, sweating, or an outwardly racing heart.
People with social anxiety disorder may exhibit these symptoms in a range of social situations, from one-on-one interactions to large gatherings. The dread and fear associated with social anxiety disorder may have a significant influence on a person's quality of life, making it difficult to form and maintain relationships, succeed in school or at work, and engage in recreational activities.
History
L-theanine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in tea leaves and has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. It was first isolated and found in Japan in 1949, and because of its potential to reduce stress and promote relaxation, it has gained appeal as a supplement ever since.
How it works
Green tea in particular contains a naturally occurring amino acid called L-theanine. It is thought to work by increasing the production of alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation and attentiveness. Alpha brain waves are frequently present when a person is relaxed, for as when they are meditating or engaging in a leisure pastime.
L-theanine may have an impact on dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. The neurotransmitters serotonin, which is associated with emotions of happiness and well-being, and dopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, are both thought to be created in larger quantities by L-theanine.
According to some studies, L-theanine may lessen anxiety by altering how the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid functions (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that promotes calm and reduces anxiety.
Overall, more investigation is required to pinpoint the particular mechanisms through which L-theanine reduces anxiety and relieves stress.
Studies and result
Numerous studies have looked into the effectiveness of L-theanine in reducing the symptoms of social anxiety.
30 individuals with social anxiety disorder were included in one study, which was reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Participants were given either 200 mg of L-theanine or a placebo once per day for eight weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled research. The study's results showed that the group taking L-theanine experienced far fewer signs of anxiety than the placebo group did.
In a different study, which was reported in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, a sample of 40 healthy individuals took part. Following administration of either 200 mg of L-theanine or a placebo, the patients' levels of anxiety and cognitive function were evaluated. The results showed that those taking L-theanine had significantly lower levels of anxiety and improved cognitive function than those taking a placebo.
Overall, these studies suggest L-theanine as a possible treatment for reducing the symptoms of social anxiety. In these studies, a daily dosage of 200 mg was used. It's important to keep in mind that the best L-theanine dosage for reducing anxiety symptoms can vary based on the product and the needs of the individual. Always remember to follow the dose instructions on the specific product you're using, and if you have any problems, consult a healthcare provider.
Recommended Dosage
Different L-theanine dosages are prescribed depending on the product in question and the demands of the individual. In the research mentioned above, a daily dose of 200 mg was used. It's critical to follow the dosage guidelines for the specific product you're using, and if you have any questions, consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
A supplement called L-theanine has the potential to reduce the symptoms of social anxiety. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and the optimal dosage, the studies that are currently available suggest that it might be a useful therapeutic option for people with social anxiety disorder.
Reference
- Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2007). L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1869486/
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2007). The effects of L-theanine on anxiety and cognitive function. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17182482
