GABA for Anxiety Associated With Autism and ADHD

GABA in helping Anxiety Associated with Autism and ADHD

During the process of allowing the body to heal itself, supplements of some sort are usually necessary to give the body what it has been lacking for so long. Optimally, we would like to get to a place of full healing in the body to where supplements are not necessary. However, in the beginning, this is rarely the case.

Many people suffer from anxiety, but especially those with ADHD or on the autism spectrum. GABA levels are very typically reduced in these individuals.

GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that acts as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in our brain. It is also responsible for keeping all the other neurotransmitters in check. Our brains need a balance of both excitement and inhibition. An unstable balance, or too much excitation will lead to restlessness, insomnia and irritability. GABA helps to balance this out, naturally. It is also involved with the production of endorphins in our brain, which provide us with that feeling of “all is good”, or what is often referred to as the “runner’s high”. GABA will reduce stress, relieve anxiety and increase alertness.

A deficiency of GABA in people with autism can contribute to the poor inhibition that allows their brain to become over stimulated, which results in their living in a constant state of anxiety.

Some of the following may be experienced with a GABA deficiency.

• anxiety/nervousness
• seizures
• irritability
• heart palpitations
• hypertension
• headaches

Many factors can be involved in lowering GABA levels in the body; some being:

• B1, B6, zinc, manganese and iron deficiency
• Chronic stress
• Inadequate Sleep
• Mercury or lead exposure
• Chronic Pain

Supplementing with GABA will help with:

• Stress
• Hyperactivity
• Anxiety/restlessness
• Impulsivity
• Depression

This can be helped with the GABA supplement. Whenever you introduce a new supplement, always take it slow and go low on the dose. Typically, a good place to start is 125 mg and work your way up slowly until you reach the dose which is effective.

Melville, N., Absence of GABA Activity Linked to Autistic Behaviors, Medscape Medical News, January 2016

Neurotransmitter May Be Linked to Autistic Behavior,

The ASHA Leader, June 2016, Vol. 21, 14. doi:10.1044/leader.RIB1.21062016.14

Coghalan, S., et. al, GABA system dysfunction in autism and related disorders: From synapse to symptoms,

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews Volume 36, Issue 9, October 2012, Pages 2044–2055