Does caffeine cause anxiety?

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and consuming it too much can lead to symptoms of anxiety.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive drug around the world. At 1.6 billion cups per day, it is the second most widely consumed drink after water.

A survey conducted in the US shows that around 85% of the population drink at least one caffeinated drink every day.

While many people drink caffeine to “wake up” and stay alert, too much caffeine can negatively affect people and lead to numerous side effects, including some symptoms of anxiety disorders.

An anxiety disorder is a mental illness in which a person becomes overwhelmed with feelings of fear and discomfort that affect daily life. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 31.1% of all adults in the United States will have an anxiety disorder at some point in their life.

Readers should note that there is a huge difference between having a formal anxiety disorder and experiencing some anxiety-like symptoms that can be made worse by drinking coffee.

Read on to learn more about the relationship between caffeine intake and anxiety, including symptoms, and how to safely consume caffeine to avoid triggering or worsening anxiety symptoms.

A literature review describes the many effects caffeine has on the body. One of its main mechanisms of action is to block adenosine receptors, which leads to increases in dopamine, norepinephrine, and glutamate. In the cardiovascular system, this increases a person’s blood pressure and heart rate. In the central nervous system, lower doses of caffeine can improve motor activity and alertness, while higher doses can induce symptoms of anxiety.

Evidence from genetic studies has shown that adenosine receptor genes play a role in the development of anxiety. This suggests that some people are at increased risk for anxiety disorders, and caffeine can make them more susceptible. More studies are needed in this area.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association recognizes caffeine-induced anxiety disorder as a condition in which caffeine interferes with daily functioning. To meet the criteria for this diagnosis, a person must have symptoms of anxiety that are directly caused by caffeine consumption.

The DSM-5 has also proposed criteria for a caffeine use disorder that requires all three of the following criteria to be met:

• persistent desire or unsuccessful attempt to control caffeine consumption
• Caffeine consumption despite harm
• Caffeine withdrawal symptoms

While this is not yet an official DSM diagnosis, it does provide a framework for researchers to conduct further studies.

Symptoms of caffeine excessive consumption and symptoms of anxiety can overlap.

Symptoms of consuming too much caffeine include:

• Nausea
• dizziness
• Dehydration
• headache
• Restlessness
• fast heartbeat
• insomnia
• anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety typically include:

• Feelings of fear, anxiety, and discomfort
• excessive worry
• sweat
• Restlessness
• Tension
• fast heartbeat

Excessive consumption of caffeine can cause symptoms of anxiety, and on the other hand, the symptoms of anxiety can worsen with consumption of caffeine. If a person is concerned about their coffee consumption, they should speak to a doctor.

Learn more about anxiety symptoms here.

Studies show that moderate doses of caffeine have health benefits. Some of these benefits include improvements in mental alertness, focus, fatigue, and athletic performance. Other benefits can include weight loss, reduced risk of diabetes, reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, and reduced risk of cancer.

The FDA issued a guideline in 2012 stating that caffeine consumption less than 400 mg / day in healthy adults is not associated with side effects.

Results from a 2014 US survey found that the average intake of caffeine from all beverages was 165 milligrams (mg) / day for all ages. This is roughly the same as the amount in 1-2 cups of normal coffee. The FDA states that an intake of up to 400 mg of caffeine per day should not cause any health problems. This corresponds to about 3-4 cups of coffee.

Some groups of people or people with certain health conditions should speak to their doctor to determine if they should limit or avoid caffeine. This includes people who:

• are pregnant
• breastfeeding
• have insomnia
• Have migraines or chronic headaches
• be scared
• Have stomach problems such as ulcers
• have an irregular heart rate or rhythm
• Have high blood pressure
• Take certain medications, including stimulants, some antibiotics, asthma medications, and heart medications
• are children and adolescents

Health and regulatory agencies have warned against the use of caffeine in these populations.

Of particular concern is the popularity of energy drinks among young people, with their high caffeine and sugar content. There are also concerns about the effects of combining alcohol and caffeine.

The best way to provide more information about safe caffeine consumption needs to be determined.

The first step in making informed decisions is to be aware of the caffeine content of beverages. Reading labels and planning on a daily basis can help avoid the negative effects of excessive caffeine consumption.

People who want to reduce or limit their caffeine consumption should do so gradually. This will help avoid symptoms such as headache, fatigue, irritability, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and nausea.

Learn more about caffeine withdrawal here.

The caffeine content of beverages was measured in the 2014 survey cited above. Investigators divided them into several general categories:

It is important to note that there were limitations in determining the amount of caffeine in the beverages included in the table. The study’s authors state that the caffeine content of most commercially available beverages is listed on the label, but teas and coffees made to order can vary widely in caffeine content. The caffeine content can depend on the origin of the harvest, processing and preparation.

Many people rely on the boost of energy provided by caffeine to get them going in the morning. This can sometimes have negative consequences, such as the development or worsening of symptoms of anxiety.

Decaffeinated coffee or tea can be a great alternative for many people. These drinks usually taste similar, but may not provide the energy boost that caffeine does. However, once a person has successfully weaned off caffeine, these can be a comforting choice.

There is a wide variety of herbal teas available. They are popular around the world and have numerous health benefits.

Some people find exercise can be a great way to start the day. Walking or running outdoors, or jogging on the treadmill indoors can be great ways to boost blood circulation and clear up brain fog. Drinking water can also help people wake up.

Find out more about healthy caffeine substitutes here.

There is a link between excessive caffeine consumption and anxiety. The effects of too much caffeine can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.

People who suffer from caffeine-induced anxiety should avoid or reduce their caffeine consumption.

It is important to be aware of the caffeine content of many commonly consumed beverages. With careful planning, people can make informed decisions to reduce or avoid caffeine consumption.

source https://www.bisayanews.com/2021/09/15/does-caffeine-cause-anxiety/