Can L-Theanine Be Used to Treat ADHD?

L-theanine is an amino acid that is found naturally in green tea. L-theanine has been shown to have a calming effect and can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some research has also suggested that L-theanine may help certain aspects of ADHD. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

ADHD is a neurotype that is characterized by problems with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While there is no cure for ADHD, there are strategies and treatments that can help people manage their ADHD traits effectively.

L-theanine for ADHD: Does It Help?

L-theanine may offer a natural way to treat ADHD. L-theanine can help improve attention and focus and has a calming effect on the mind. It is also relatively safe, with few side effects. If you are considering taking L-theanine for ADHD, it is important to talk to your doctor first.

Research on L-Theanine for ADHD

A small 2019 study found that L-theanine and caffeine seemed to improve aspects of ADHD, including sustained attention and overall cognitive performance.

Another small study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that L-theanine improved attention in boys with ADHD. The study looked at 5 boys with ADHD between the ages of 8 and 15. The boys were given either 2.5 mg/kg of L-theanine, 2.0 mg/kg of caffeine, their combination, or a placebo prior to engaging in a task.

There is also research indicating that L-theanine might help with sleep disturbance in ADHD. A systematic review study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology found that L-theanine may help improve sleep efficiency in those with ADHD.

Does L-Theanine Need to Be Combined With Caffeine? 

L-theanine can be taken alone or in combination with caffeine. A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that L-theanine and caffeine improved attention and focus in adults.

Twenty male participants were given either 200 mg of L-theanine, 160 mg of caffeine, their combination, one cup of black tea, or a placebo. Participants who had taken L-theanine, caffeine, or their combination showed significantly improved attention and focus compared to those who had taken the placebo.

What Is L-Theanine?

L-theanine belongs to a class of compounds known as amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. L-theanine is found naturally in green tea. It is also available in supplement form.

How Can I Get L-Theanine?

You can get L-theanine from green tea or in supplement form. L-theanine supplements are also available and are generally considered safe. However, as with any supplement, it is always best to talk to your doctor to ensure that it's safe for you.

Who Should Not Take L-Theanine?

L-theanine is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are some people who should not take L-theanine. These include pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

How Much L-Theanine Should You Take?

The amount of L-theanine you should take depends on a variety of factors, including your age, weight, and health condition. In one study, researchers gave participants the following dosages of L-theanine:

• Children: 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day
• Adults: 200 mg per day
  

Side Effects of L-Theanine

L-theanine is generally well tolerated and has few side effects. The most common side effect is nausea.

In one study, some children developed facial tics while taking L-theanine. This side effect went away once use of the supplement was stopped.

If you experience any side effects, stop taking L-theanine and talk to your doctor.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a form of neurodivergence that is characterized by problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Characteristics of ADHD can include difficulty staying focused on tasks, trouble paying attention, acting without thinking, and being easily distracted.

ADHD affects children and adults of all ages and can lead to problems at home, school, work, or in relationships.

ADHD Characteristics

ADHD traits generally fall under two umbrella types: inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a person must display at least six symptoms from one or both categories to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Inattention

Inattention characteristics may include:

• Failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
• Having trouble sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
• Not seeming to listen when spoken to directly.
• Not following through on instructions and failing to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.
• Having trouble organizing tasks and activities.
• Avoiding, disliking, or being reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
• Losing things necessary for tasks or activities.
• Becoming easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
• Being often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Hyperactivity/impulsivity characteristics may include:

• Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming when seated.
• Leaving their seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
• Running or climbing excessively in situations where it is inappropriate.
• Having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
• Being “on the go” or acting as if “driven by a motor”.
• Talking excessively.
• Blurting out answers to questions before they have been completed.
• Having difficulty waiting for one’s turn.
• Interrupting or intruding on others by finishing their sentences, talking at the same time, or butting into conversations.

How Is ADHD Treated?

There is no cure for ADHD, but there are treatments that can help manage it. It is important to recognize that while ADHD is considered a disability, this is because people with ADHD brains are expected to conform to society's neurotypical expectations.

ADHD brains work differently, so people with this neurotype may need certain accommodations or tools to manage tasks and organize their time effectively.

Medication

Stimulant medications are the most commonly used type of medication to treat ADHD. These drugs work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help improve focus and attention.

Psychotherapy

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be helpful in treating ADHD. CBT can help people learn to manage their ADHD traits and take advantage of their strengths.