Even after knowing the harmful effects of caffeine on health, every day, people all over the world consume more than a cup of caffeinated drinks. According to the statistics, caffeinated drinks are the second most consumed beverages, globally, after water. But did you know that excessive consumption of caffeine can increase the problem of anxiety?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association, caffeine intake can trigger anxiety disorders, which can also affect the day-to-day activities of the person suffering from it.
What Is Caffeine?
Basically, caffeine is a stimulant, which if consumed in high amounts, along with increasing the symptoms of anxiety, can also cause many other negative effects on health. Apparently many people consume caffeinated drinks like coffee to “wake up” or to stay alert, while some drink it in excess out of addiction. A survey done in the USA showed that about 85% of the population there consumes at least one cup of coffee every day.
What Is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a mental illness, in which a person feels fearful and restless. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that about 31.1% of people face anxiety disorders at some point in their life. But what one needs to remember is that there is a difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorder. However, caffeine intake can increase the severity of symptoms in both cases.
Why Caffeine Makes You Feel More Anxious?
The DSM-5 explains many effects of caffeine on health according to which excessive consumption of caffeine blocks one of our main mechanisms of adenosine receptors, which increases levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and glutamate in the body. As a result, our cardiovascular system gets affected, blood pressure increases and heart rate fastens. Genetic studies on the effects of caffeine on the body have found that the adenosine receptor gene plays a role in the development of anxiety.
In the conclusion of this study, researchers have said that high consumption of caffeine can not only increase the risk of anxiety disorders in individuals but can also make them more vulnerable. While low doses of caffeine can improve motor activity and alertness. However, the researchers also stress the need for more studies in this area.
The DSM-5 describes some criteria for the detection of disorders related to caffeine use, which are as follows:
- When you begin to try to lessen the consumption of caffeine but are unable to do so
- Inability to discontinue the consumption, even after witnessing the harmful effects of caffeine on the body
- Willing to consume even after giving up coffee
Symptoms Of Anxiety Due To Caffeine Intake
In the DSM-5, the symptoms associated with excessive use of caffeine and the symptoms of increased anxiety are described as follows:
- Feeling nauseous
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Restlessness or feeling tensed
- Excessive worry
- Sweating
Safe Consumption Of Coffee
Some studies were done regarding caffeine consumption state that intake in small amounts can have certain benefits too, like increasing alertness and concentration, relieving tiredness, improving athletic performance, etc. Some other benefits include weight loss, reducing the risk of diabetes, cancer and Parkinson’s.
According to the information provided by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consumption of less than 400 mg of caffeine a day is not harmful to healthy adults. While in the USA the results of a survey showed that people of all ages could consume 165 milligrams (1–2 cups of coffee) of caffeine per day, in the country.
As per the DMS-5, there are certain conditions in which people should consult their doctor before consuming caffeine in any form. Conditions in which people should not consume caffeine are:
- Pregnancy or during lactation
- Insomnia or anxiety disorders
- Migraine or a history of the problem of headaches
- Stomach disorders such as ulcers
- Irregular heartbeats
- High blood pressure
- People on medication of antibiotics, asthma and heart diseases
