Today’s stressful lifestyle has severely impacted our mental well-being, and 970 million people worldwide are estimated to have a mental illness. The drugs commonly used to treat psychiatric issues often cause dependence and addiction, worsening a patient’s condition. Such a situation calls for research into more methods to treat and prevent mental health issues. Nootropics are a potential solution.
Known as smart drugs that enhance cognitive function, nootropics differ from pharmaceuticals due to their stimulatory nature and presence in food items with pharmacological properties. These are available over-the-counter, making them widely accessible to all compared to pharmaceuticals that often require a prescription. For instance, if you have consumed caffeine to stay awake, you have used a nootropic.
Before we proceed with this article, remember that nootropics can help avoid the worst of symptoms, but they are not a replacement for pharmaceutical drugs. Here are some conditions nootropics can help with:
Anxiety
In the 21st century, anxiety has revealed itself to be a prevalent disorder, primarily because of persistent external stress triggers like high-pressure work life, finances, and global disease outbreaks. Anxiety disorder entails heightened fear and anxiousness, often manifesting itself as panic attacks that can cause difficulty breathing and a rapid heartbeat. If you suffer physical or emotional trauma, it can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, which is characterized by severe anxiety and is triggered by events that remind you of the trauma. The anxiolytics prescribed for such disorders, like Xanax, Clonazepam, and Klonopin, often have a high abuse potential.
Nootropic therapeutics can alleviate symptoms of anxiety. For example, supplements of L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, can soothe anxiety patients and prevent anxiety attacks. Although theanine alone is not enough for cases of acute anxiety, its effects in resting conditions make it a promising preventative.
Depression
The mechanisms behind depression are misunderstood by many. It is a complex disease that involves neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain and accompanies many personality and mood disorders.
Standard pharmaceutical therapies for depression often have significant side effects. However, ayurvedic medicine involving nootropics can help mitigate the severity of depression. For instance, Bacopa monnieri is a common antidepressant therapeutic herb that boosts cognitive performance and reduces fatigue. Clinical trials validate the herb’s antidepressant properties and show that the herb extract is well tolerated with few side effects.
ADHD
ADHD involves a persistent pattern of symptoms that involve restlessness, difficulty focusing, excessive physical movement, and an inability to concentrate. Sometimes, individuals with ADHD may need medication to get on with their daily lives. Doctors prescribe amphetamines such as Adderall for ADHD patients, but these drugs have a high potential for abuse.
Nootropic stimulants can help individuals with ADHD. Consider L-Tyrosine, an amino acid the body synthesizes from phenylalanine, which the body gets from meat and soybeans. L-Tyrosine supplements stimulate the production of norepinephrine and epinephrine, two hormones that help your body be attentive and focused, helping with the restlessness accompanying ADHD.
Endnote
Nootropics make for a promising research area. They are derived from food and can help with several medical and psychological conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. These substances stimulate protective chemicals’ production, making them excellent preventative therapies that can protect your condition from worsening. They are also generally safer than conventional pharmaceutical therapies, but pharmaceuticals are more suitable if you already have an exacerbated condition. Consider using nootropic supplements if you have these conditions to supplement your treatment, manage the symptoms of the disorders, and prevent them from escalating.
Zuella Montemayor did her degree in psychology at the University of Toronto. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
