Caffeine & Mental Health

[Barto]

I’ve been reading a lot lately about caffeine and that its consumption can cause symptoms that mimic those of a variety of mental disorders in people. I’ve come to suspect, and maybe believe, that caffeine is the number one offender (if not the cause) in my Social Anxiety or Panic Disorder.

I’ve also read that the symptoms of caffeine consumption can mimic the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia among other mental illnesses.

What I was wondering is whether any of you that suspect that you may have any sort of mental illness, even a simple anxiety disorder (if there is such a thing), also drink caffeine.

Would you mind stating whether or not you drink caffeine, and, if so, how much?

Also, if you’ve quit for a period of time: how long did you quit for; and what differences, if any, did you notice?

FWI. I’ve been reading that some chemical dependency treatment centers now refuse to serve caffeinated beverages to patients because they acknowledge that it is a mind altering substance. Of course, there are still those that claim to detox a person from all mind altering substances but still serve up the java – not to mention that they gladly provide areas for nicotine consumption.

[reader]

Yes, I drink coffee about 6 large mugs a day. I have never quit unless I was ill , I never noticed any difference. It can make u anxious but I don't believe it can bring on a mental illness.

[Barto]

The research doesn’t show it can bring on mental illness, only that the symptoms of caffeine use/abuse can mimic the symptoms of mental illnesses. What mental illness were you diagnosed with (or do you suspect you have)?

[Live]

Barto,

You know, I believe that caffeine excarbates my symptoms of anxiety and since I am treating my anxiety with meds, that it is mad to also consume a stimulant which counter acts the meds.

The Mormons have classified it as a drug for a long time.

I have been on the psych ward twice, once in 1993 and again last October, both times,
caffeine was withheld. The first time I got such a bad headache from withdrawal that the pdoc wrote me a script to be served two cups of coffee a day. In October it didn't bother me at all since I prefer and try to be caffeine free for several years now, allowing the occasional Dr. Pepper or chocolate anytime. I do wryly note, that yes, caffeine was witheld last time but I chuckled that they still served chocolate. oops. But anyway, I no longer have any withdrawal symptoms and am as well off or better without any at all.

LW

[Barto]

I’m just getting over my last caffeine binge. During it, I had to increase my medication. My symptoms went through the roof. I hope I’m done, but you know what they say when you dance with a gorilla right? .

Oh, I forgot to add that the research does also show that caffeine can make the symptoms of existing mental illnesses much worse too; and that there is no doubt that it is a mind altering drug / substance.

[cinderellawkids]

Im trying to limit my caffiene for 2 reasons, one I noticed I was using as a drug, example not going to store or other stressful settings without a cup, and also because in large doses my anxiety was much worse and I flew into rages

[acon4726]

I don't think that caffiene could cause mental illness either. I know from personal experience, though, that it sure does worsen anxiety for me! not to mention being very irritable and depressed before my first cup of coffee for the day.

[Barto]

Well, actually the DSM does include caffeine caused mental illnesses. I think the DSM includes four of them. But what I am asking about regards the symptoms of caffeinism, or caffeine intoxication, or caffeine allergy (and maybe other caffeine related disorders), that mimic the symptoms of other mental illnesses which cause doctors to diagnose patients with these other mental illnesses while simultaneously and completely missing the caffeine connection – even that all the symptoms may be solely caused by caffeine use or abuse.

That’s why I’m looking to see if anyone here that has been diagnosed with a mental illness, or suspects that they have a mental illness (such as an anxiety disorder), also drinks caffeine.

[Live]

I have been caffeine free long enough to know that I still have the same illnesses without caffeine.

I am sure there is ignorance out there about the effects of caffeine.

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in fact, ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have mentioned to my prescriber before that I try to stay caffeine free to help reduce the anxiety and she looks at me oddly and told me, Gee, she runs on coffee and cigarettes. Okey-doke,. then...here is what I will need. And I lay out my plan and she usually approves......who cares more about my health care than me?!

[Barto]

Yes, I believe that some people are not as affected by caffeine, and that not all mental illness is caused by caffeine. But I do notice an affect, even from such small amounts as that found in decaf. I’ve read that I am not alone, that decaf can affect people who are caffeine sensitive.

[Live]

WOW. I totally believe you, Barto. I don't know if I am sensitive to the decaf or not.?
I don't think I understood that before.

[Barto]

You might be interested in trying a little experiment. Quit decaf and all other caffeine for two weeks. I think you’ll be surprised at how difficult it is. You may get depressed and even get a little headache – I do when I quit. Shoot! I may be out on all recreational drugs!

[barb dwyer]

My doc told me to cut caff in half - then in half again ... not to stop just cold turkey.

Man I found out why. I do't get a headache - I get this sensation that my neck is going to snap in two. It makes me physically ill - nausea ... which is how my body reacts to all tremendous pain.

I work graveyard shift - and now only consume two cups per day.

One when I come on shift ... and the other halfway through the shift.

With ADHD ... I consume caffeine ... to stay calm and ... make sense.
LOL!
You know - to connect words in a row to convey a thought.

It's the OPPOSITE reaction and effect with true ADHD and most drugs.

I've seen people who can drink decaff and not know it.
I happen to be one who knows it.

The only long period of time that I quit drinking coffee
was when I was drinking.
I never touched the stuff.

[Live]

Barto,

I had been thinking about offering to do just that, but NOW is not a good time.I note that today I have had much less of both, but reserve any comments.

[Freedom1990]

Originally Posted by liveweyerd

I have been on the psych ward twice, once in 1993 and again last October, both times,
caffeine was withheld.

I'm glad you mentioned that because I had completely forgotten during my 3 week stint in the psych ward back in 1988, they withheld caffeine too!

I quit drinking sodas/coffee several years ago due to gastric reflux. Once in awhile I have a chocolate bar, but not often. When I quit drinking the coffee, I had some pretty nasty headaches while withdrawing from the caffeine.

I just started drinking a cup of coffee at my AA meetings, and that's 2-3 times a week. That's the only time I drink it.

[barb dwyer]

I'm fairly certain I could no more get through a meeting w/o coffee than I could get through a movie without popcorn.

It's the smell.
It's the exact smell/taste combination you must have for that enviroment ...

and that's that.

[TiredMama]

I used to drink a lot of cokes and carbonated beverages but I have cut down on them since my pregnancy. I noticed symptoms of panic (maybe similar to w/ds but with caffiene) and when I had a coke, it would go away.