Gaba Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

Major depressive disorder affects 14.8 million people aged 18 and over in the U.S., and related conditions such as bipolar disorder and dysthymic disorder affect another 9 million, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. Currently, depression is most commonly treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but researchers have made some headway in finding alternative therapies. St. John's Wort and Sam-E have both shown promise and are widely used in Europe. More recently a substance called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) has been used as a treatment for depression, but it shows more promise for treating anxiety.

GABA and Neurotransmitters

• Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that allow communication from one nerve cell to another. There are both excitatory---or stimulating---neurotransmitters, and inhibitory---calming---neurotransmitters. GABA is a calming neurotransmitter. People who struggle with anxiety show low serotonin and GABA levels.

GABA and Depression

• Gamma-aminobutyric acid is still being studied as a treatment for depression. Current information indicates that it may not be an effective antidepressant, and, in fact, may aggravate depressive and bipolar disorders. Because it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, its function is to slow the brain down, not boost activity.

GABA and Anxiety

• Initial studies in the 1950s suggested that GABA had a calming effect on the brain and could be effective in the treatment of anxiety and schizophrenia. More recently, Dr. Harold Whitcomb and biochemical nutritionist Phyllis Bronson of the Aspen Colorado Clinic for Preventive and Environmental Medicine confirm the calming effects of GABA. When in a state of anxiety, the brain is "over-firing, sending too many messages at once." GABA sends a message to nerve cells not to fire. GABA attaches to the same areas of the brain as benzodiazepines, which are the most prescribed anti-anxiety medications.

Uses of GABA

• GABA is currently being used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Clinical studies show that dosages of 800mg a day are effective for anxiety and insomnia, and doses of up to 18 grams a day may help people with PTSD and OCD.

Home Use of GABA

• GABA has proven to be safe in doses of 500 milligrams to 4 grams, however, there are side effects for some people. Tingling sensations, flushing of the skin and even anxiety have been experienced with the use of GABA, so it is important to proceed with caution. Consult a physician or naturopath before introducing any new therapies into your regimen. Begin with low doses to see if GABA has the intended tranquilizing effect.