7 Causes of Anxiety | Everyday Health

Everyone gets anxious, restless, and frazzled — but if you constantly feel worried, tense, or on edge, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time.

Doctors make a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) when patients have anxiety symptoms (such as intense and overwhelming worry and three out of six of the following: irritability, sleep disturbance, fatigue, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness) for more than six months.

Examples of other anxiety disorders include:

According to the Mayo Clinic, you can have more than one anxiety disorder.

Research shows that a combination of environmental and genetic factors likely increase a person’s risk for developing an anxiety disorder, notes the National Institute of Mental Health. Like so many health conditions, anxiety appears to run in families.

In addition to underlying disorders, anxiety may be caused by stress, whether from a major life event or the accumulated effect of small everyday stressors. Anxiety can also come with a medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or thyroid disorders that need treatment. There’s a clear link between caffeine and anxiety and alcohol and anxiety. And certain medications may cause anxiety. In this case, avoiding caffeine and alcohol or changing medications may reduce the anxiety. It’s important to note that while all these things (medications, substances, and stress) can cause anxious feelings, this type of anxiety is distinct from a psychiatric diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.

Some anxiety is normal, but if you suffer from severe anxiety or are worrying too much, it’s important to talk with a mental health specialist about your symptoms. Psychologists focus more on psychotherapy and are not medical doctors. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health treatment. Both psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnose and treat anxiety disorders with psychotherapy, and psychiatrists can also prescribe medications. Psychologists in a few states may have the ability to prescribe, but this is not common or widespread.

Additionally, if you have anxiety with suicidal thoughts, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Could any of the following be causing your anxiety?

Can Caffeine Cause Panic Attacks?

Diet is one of the least understood contributors of anxiety and panic. Scientists have suggested that diet actually plays only a small role in anxiety – although a person’s diet can have an effect on vulnerability to anxiety triggers and could possibly make some of the symptoms of anxiety more intense.

Caffeine is often blamed for the development of anxiety and panic despite evidence showing what we consume has little to do with the development of anxiety. Is it fair to blame caffeine for anxiety? Can caffeine really cause panic attacks?

The Link Between Caffeine and Anxiety

Read any website with tips on how to control anxiety and you’ll find countless people saying that removing caffeine will greatly reduce your anxiety. This may be misleading as it seems to suggest that anxiety is caused by caffeine. However, there is a link between anxiety and caffeine. Extremely large quantities of caffeine may induce bouts of anxiety but in general to create anxiety where it is not already present the volume of caffeine necessary is unlikely to be consumed.

For people who already have frequent anxiety, caffeine can certainly exacerbate the symptoms. The effects of caffeine can mimic the symptoms of anxiety which for a person with an anxiety disorder, may actually create anxiety about the thought of having anxiety symptoms.

Hypersensitivity and Caffeine

Hypersensitivity occurs when your mind immediately notices any change in your body. This is common in those with anxiety. The consumption of caffeine may cause change in physical sensations that are then feared to be the onset of an intense bout of anxiety. This fear then turns into real anxiety and in some cases, can even trigger a panic attack.

For example:

• Increased Heart Rate Caffeine may cause small increases in your heart rate. While most people would not notice those, those with intense anxiety tend to notice it and then their mind immediately rushes with anxiety as it fears something may be wrong medically or that a panic attack is coming. This reaction then triggers the attack.
• Stomach Discomfort Caffeine is frequently known to act as a diuretic and laxative. This may lead to aches, pains, and other forms of discomfort in the digestive system This discomfort can also trigger panic attacks for similar reasons to an increased heart rate. Further, if consuming caffeine leads to frequent urination or diarrhea, these conditions may cause anxiety to increase.
• Changes in Mental Sharpness Caffeine increases mental sharpness, which in most cases is a good thing and a desired effect. However, when that sharpness increases, your mind may translate that change as something going on with your brain. This may also trigger the flood of anxiety that leads to panic attacks.

Much of this occurs automatically without any conscious thought. The person rarely feels their heartbeat increase and then thinks to themselves “hmm, I must be suffering from a heart condition.” Usually the anxiety comes automatically, almost as if it has been trained to respond to this physiological change, once the anxiety is present, the negative thoughts start. That’s automatic nature of this process is one of the reasons that it is so hard to control.

Will Cutting Out Caffeine Reduce Anxiety?

Everyone is different and likely to have differing levels of success with reducing anxiety through moderating caffeine intake. Cutting out caffeine can certainly be helpful for some people as they try to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Keep in mind as you experiment with caffeine’s impact on anxiety that you may see a difference or you may not.

You won’t “cure” your anxiety by cutting out caffeine but it is possible to notice some positive effects of moderating or eliminating your caffeine consumption.

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How Caffeine Affects Anxiety and Depression

Did you know that caffeine may worsen anxiety and depression symptoms? That innocent cup of coffee you drink every morning may not be helping your mental health. In this discussion, we will explore how caffeine affects anxiety and depression, along with tips to reduce your caffeine intake.

Caffeine Interrupts Your Natural Sleep Patterns

Your body has all of the chemicals necessary to help you fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning. The more caffeine you drink, the less your body wants to work. The natural energy levels you would normally get are now being replaced with caffeine. Thus when you go to bed at night, your body doesn’t know what to do.

This is especially true for people who drink caffeine all throughout the day. If you are going to drink it, try to use it as a morning pick-me-up. Avoid caffeine during the evening hours, as it may keep you up later than you want to be.

What does this have to do with anxiety and depression? Well, your body needs sleep to process emotions. This is the time when your brain files all of your memories into various compartments so you can be prepared for the next day. If you aren’t sleeping well, your mind can’t be refreshed. This worsens your anxiety and depression, and it prevents you from feeling productive.

Caffeine Is Addictive

Caffeine is highly addictive, and as with any addiction, it comes with side effects. Your body gets used to a certain level of caffeine, and then it needs more to feel the same effects. Caffeine may become a coping mechanism of sorts. “I need this to get through the day.” By finding a healthier, more effective coping mechanism, you can improve your anxiety or depression from the core.

Caffeine Triggers Panic

That burst of energy you get from caffeine may trigger your panic responses. When you get startled, your heart races. When you drink caffeine, your heart races again. This persistent panic feeling may keep you on-edge, which could heighten your anxiety symptoms.

How to Reduce Your Caffeine Intake

Since caffeine is an addictive substance, it is best to taper your intake down gradually. If you are a coffee drinker, you may switch to half-caf, then decaf. You could also drink tea instead of coffee, moving from black tea to green tea or non-caffeinated herbal teas. If you drink energy drinks, reduce the number of drinks you consume per day until you have phased them out of your diet completely.

You may experience some withdrawal symptoms at each stage of the process. This may include headaches, grogginess, shakiness, or fatigue. These symptoms will pass as your body gets used to having less caffeine, and your natural energy levels will start to rise again. Drink plenty of water along the way to keep your body hydrated and flush toxins from your system.

Other Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

Reducing your caffeine levels may help your anxiety or depression, but that’s not the only solution available. Ideally, you should find the root cause of your depression so you can overcome it. This may mean bringing closure to a past trauma or rebuilding self-esteem after an abusive relationship. Whatever the circumstances may be, our multidisciplinary team is here to help.

Heron Ridge Associates offers personalized anxiety counseling and depression counseling in Michigan. We have several therapist offices to serve you, and we match each client with the best therapist for them. In therapy, you can discover specific solutions that work for your life, your experiences, and your symptoms. Best of all, you get dependable support from a therapist you can trust.

Contact us at (734) 454-3560 to schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist.

Caffeine may cause problems for individuals with anxiety disorder

Caffeine can boost energy, improve alertness and produce a general feeling of well-being – when used in moderation.

Go past the sweet spot though, and that same elixir can cause insomnia, jitteriness and feelings of nervousness. Those who already struggle with anxiety may be particularly susceptible to its effects and should monitor their consumption.

Dr. Julie Radico, a clinical psychologist with Penn State Health, said while caffeine may help with concentration and provide a boost for some individuals, including those with depressed mood, it can cause problems for those with general anxiety disorder.

Caffeine is not the enemy. But I encourage people to know healthy limits and consume it strategically because it is activating and can mimic or exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety.”

Dr. Julie Radico, clinical psychologist, Penn State Health

Low doses of caffeine are considered to be 50 to 200 mg. Consume more than 400 mg at once, and you may experience some of the drug’s more unpleasant side effects.

In addition to feeling overstimulated and anxious, those who consume too much caffeine can experience other symptoms such as racing heart, nausea or abdominal pain.

Dr. Matthew Silvis, vice chair of clinical operations in the Division of Family Medicine and chief of the Division of Primary Care Sports Medicine at Penn State Health, said anxiety is a common problem in the general population, yet caffeine consumption isn’t something doctors typically ask about during office visits as a potential contributing factor.

“We want people to consider whether there may be a connection between their caffeine consumption and anxiety,” he said.

Besides making the symptoms of anxiety worse for those who already struggle with it, Silvis said caffeine can interact negatively with medications for seizure disorders, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, certain heart conditions or thyroid disease: “Medical disorders that a patient may already have can become more difficult to control.”

While some are more sensitive to caffeine than others, recommended consumption is based on body weight. So children can be at risk of negative effects.

Experts recommend adolescents and children consume no more than 100 mg of caffeine a day, a pretty low threshold considering how many products contain caffeine.

A tall Starbucks coffee contains 250 mg of caffeine, compared to 100 mg in an average cup of generic, home-brewed joe. Energy drinks can contain close to 400 mg. A can of Coca-Cola has 35 mg of caffeine, while Mountain Dew packs 55 mg per can.

“When you buy larger bottles of these sodas, they also have more than one serving in a bottle,” Silvis said. “You may drink the whole thing and not even realize you are consuming twice or even three times the amount of caffeine in a single serving.”

Many vitamin and sports or nutritional supplements also contain caffeine, but Silvis said many people don’t think to look for that on the label.

Silvis said the negative effects of too much caffeine can be so great that consumption is regulated for athletes who participate in NCAA and professional sports.

“It’s not that people are necessarily abusing it,” he said. “They just aren’t thinking of all the different sources of caffeine, and they don’t realize there is a problem with excessive caffeine consumption.”

Too much coffee?

Between her health and her schoolwork, something had to give. Michelle Manno, who is studying for a master’s degree in educational psychology at Hunter College, was facing a spate of all-nighters and gulping down four large cups of coffee each day to stay alert. Within a few weeks, she came to need the coffee for another reason: If she didn’t drink it, she became irritable and had migraines. Manno didn’t like having a caffeine dependency, but “the benefits of helping me with my schoolwork outweighed its negative implications for my health,” she says.

Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world, consumed by some 80 percent of American adults every day. It’s probably safe to say that caffeine’s most popular vehicle, coffee, is a mainstay for many psychology grad students. A 2012 survey conducted on behalf of Dunkin’ Donuts and CareerBuilder showed that scientists drink more coffee than any other professional group except food workers.

But while its cultural pervasiveness suggests caffeine is benign, it’s actually a powerful psychoactive compound. Caffeine does have its cognitive perks — including boosting alertness, energy and feelings of well-being — but overuse can cause a range of unpleasant side effects, including troubled sleep, jitters, irritability and gastric distress. Further, caffeine dependence can become a hard-to-shake habit, leading to a full-blown substance use disorder, research has shown.

“I wouldn’t deny anybody their coffee, but people might benefit from becoming aware that caffeine use has the potential to become a problem and impact their physical or mental health,” says Alan Budney, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at Dartmouth Medical School. “Caffeine is similar to most other drugs that are reinforcing, which caffeine is. People desire the effect and repeat the behavior over and over again. When reinforcers like that are easily accessible and inexpensive, their use may get out of control.”

The brain boost

Caffeine is chemically similar to the neuromodulator adenosine, which accumulates through the day and induces drowsiness for sleeping at night. When we consume caffeine, it binds to adenosine receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of adenosine, with the side benefit of allowing dopamine to flow more freely. That can bring on feelings of well-being, energy and alertness.

A number of studies suggest that caffeine measurably boosts cognitive performance, helping to speed up reactions and sustain attention, though as Simone Cappelletti, MD, of Sapienza University in Rome, and colleagues suggested, those benefits may be helpful only to those who need caffeine to avoid withdrawal from a habit of consuming it in the first place (Current Neuropharmacology, 2015).

Caffeine may also have mental health benefits over time. For one, it has been associated with a lessened risk of depression. Michael Lucas, PhD, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and colleagues followed more than 50,730 women in the Nurses’ Health Study for almost 25 years, finding that those who drank at least four cups of coffee a day had a 20 percent reduced risk of depression compared with those who drank little or no coffee (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2011). Another study from Lucas of nearly 43,600 men found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day was correlated with a 50 percent reduced risk of suicide (The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry, 2013).

A cup of coffee might even help consolidate learning. Michael Yassa, PhD, an experimental psychologist at the University of California, Irvine, led a team of researchers who discovered that nonhabitual caffeine users who took 200 milligrams (roughly the amount in a 12-ounce cup of coffee) of the substance were better able to remember differences among sets of pictures, though it’s not clear yet how the caffeine helped (Nature Neuroscience, 2014).

Caffeine has also been associated with reducing the risk of cognitive decline. A review by Lenore Arab, PhD, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, and colleagues concluded that caffeine consumers overall had less cognitive decline than people who didn’t use caffeine (Advances in Nutrition, 2013). The protective effect is stronger in women than in men, suggests a cohort study of 309 women in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2010) by Catarina Santos, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Porto in Portugal.

Epidemiological studies suggest that caffeine may inhibit memory disorders, too. Research in animals suggests it slows the production of the protein beta-amyloid, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Another mechanism may be how caffeine interacts with adenosine receptors; research with humans and animals is building the case that these receptors play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia, according to a review by Jiang-Fan Chen, MD, PhD, a neurologist at Boston University (International Review of Neurobiology, 2014).

Disordered drinking

But some people experience drawbacks to using caffeine. A daily dose of 400 milligrams or less — about three to four cups of home-brewed coffee — is generally considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration, but smaller amounts can trigger side effects, such as restlessness, insomnia and a rapid heartbeat in people who are particularly sensitive to caffeine’s effects. Pregnant women are advised to limit intake to 200 milligrams a day at most.

Five cups of coffee and more may bring on worsening symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, headache, rambling speech and excitement, what the DSM-5 calls “coffee intoxication.” It’s a line casual users may occasionally cross, as many people build up a tolerance for caffeine that leads them to consume more of it over time, says Laura Juliano, PhD, a professor of psychology at American University and a leading researcher on the topic.

Caffeine does help us stay up later, delaying the onset of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep; a dose equivalent to a what’s in a double espresso taken three hours before bed led participants to go to sleep 40 minutes later on average, according to a 2015 study in Science Translational Medicine by Tina Burke, PhD, of the University of Colorado Boulder. However, the caffeine pushed participants’ entire circadian rhythm back, meaning they got up later, too — an effect perhaps unwelcome for those with 8 a.m. classes.

Then there is caffeine’s addictive factor. If you think you can’t possibly give up your coffee habit, you may be right. Many users can’t stay away from caffeine, even though it might intensify their related health problems. That’s a primary criterion of “caffeine use disorder,” a condition the DSM-5 deems worthy of more research. Other potential symptoms include trying to quit but being unable to, craving, suffering withdrawal after stopping, using more than intended and spending a great deal of time with the drug. Sound familiar? Yet here, too, caffeine’s ubiquity may help us turn a blind eye to our dependency.

“The world doesn’t broadcast that caffeine can be an addictive drug that might cause problems,” Budney says. “Certainly its overuse might not be as scary as other drugs; the consequences aren’t so dramatic. Such less severe consequences, however, may reduce awareness or concern about a potential problem that could prompt taking action.”

According to the DSM-5, caffeine withdrawal syndrome occurs when people skip a dose of caffeine and experience headaches, fatigue, depression and trouble concentrating. These are clinically well-documented symptoms that can be severe. In fact, research suggests many people use caffeine just to avoid these symptoms — though others, especially children and adolescents, may not understand why they feel sluggish and have a raging headache.

“Many people don’t realize they are dependent on caffeine until they skip it for a day and experience caffeine withdrawl,” Juliano says.

The drug is notorious for causing the jitters and anxiety, particularly at higher doses. People with underlying mental health issues may be more susceptible: a review of eight studies found that caffeine aggravated symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder (Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2011).

Wise use

Want to try to limit your caffeine intake? Try these research-based tips:

• Delay having coffee for at least an hour after you wake in the morning since that is when your body doesn’t actually need a caffeinated pick-me-up: Soon after waking, your body produces cortisol, a natural energy booster, so save your coffee breaks for mid-morning or the early afternoon, when cortisol levels dip, advises Dartmouth University neuroscientist Steven Miller, PhD.
• Similarly, if you don’t habitually drink caffeine, consider drinking it only when you really need a functional boost, such as before a long drive or particularly long seminar, Juliano suggests.
• Caffeine can interfere with sleep when consumed as long as six hours before bedtime, reducing sleep by an hour and interfering with sleep efficiency and REM patterns, according to a study by Christopher Drake, PhD, of the Henry Ford Hospital in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (2013). So time your intake accordingly.
• There are no formal guidelines to help people get off caffeine, but strategies that are effective in stopping other problem behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol or overeating may help, psychologists say. They include stimulus control, such as learning to watch out for triggers that spur caffeine use and asking friends to help you reach your goal, Budney suggests. Juliano has been developing and testing manualized treatment to help people reduce caffeine use. An early test, in press in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, suggests that keeping a daily diary of consumption is effective. Also, gradually cutting back on caffeine may help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Does Coffee Really Cause Anxiety?

Anxiety seems like a simple condition to understand. But unfortunately there are numerous misconceptions about what it means to live with anxiety, control anxiety, and ultimately cure anxiety. Anxiety is seen as fear, and in reality anxiety is so much more than that.

Those that live with anxiety suffer each and every day, and many seek out tips and strategies to help them stop anxiety as quickly as possible.

The Coffee Myth

It is this desperation to cure anxiety that has led to many people cutting out coffee from their diets—or trying, at least. Even psychologists have claimed that coffee is one of the first things you should remove from your diet as soon as you have anxiety, because caffeine is a stimulant, and stimulants excite the nervous system.

The problem is that there isn’t any evidence that normal amounts of caffeine create anxiety, and what is perhaps most fascinating is that there is a very small amount of evidence that caffeine may actually reduce anxiety. 

The Science on Coffee and Anxiety

If a doctor or psychologist suggests reducing coffee from your diet, you should do it. And coffee in excess—over 300mg a day, or several shots of caffeine in a short period of time—may create anxiety, especially on an empty stomach.

But most people do not drink that much caffeine in a day, and there is currently no real evidence that lesser amounts of coffee affect anxiety. No studies currently show that anxiety is caused by small doses of caffeine, and it seems that the belief is due to the assumption that caffeine causes jitters.

What is perhaps more interesting is that there is some (although admittedly only cursory) evidence that caffeine can reduce anxiety. Studies have shown:

Caffeine Improves Mood

Studies have shown that low doses of caffeine appear to improve mood. It has been shown as a potential dietary way to fight some of the symptoms of depression, and can have a similar effect on those with anxiety.

Cognitive Health

Studies have also linked caffeine to improved cognitive clarity, the ability to recall facts and focus, and more. For those with anxiety, cognition can actually play a role in comfort, and someone thinking more clearly is going to experience fewer anxiety symptoms.

Energy

Anxiety is excess energy, so adding energy may not seem like a good thing, but anxiety also causes a significant amount of fatigue. Energy to get through your day is valuable, because an active day is actually an anxiety coping tool.

There are also benefits to routine, to enjoying the taste of coffee, and more.

Other Considerations About Coffee

Now, there are many other issues at play when it comes to drinking coffee. First, many people add sugars and creams to their coffee, or take caffeine through energy drinks. These may contribute to anxiety in their own way.

Second, some people find coffee doesn’t sit well with them, and indigestion and intestinal discomfort can contribute to stress. Not sleeping can also lead to trouble controlling anxiety, so late night caffeine can be problematic.

No one is recommending that you start drinking coffee to cure anxiety. But the idea that somehow drinking coffee is causing your anxiety appears to be a myth that is simply spread around on the internet. If you think that caffeine is contributing to your anxiety, try a few weeks without it, but if you can’t seem to live without your cup of coffee in the morning, it is unlikely you need to be that concerned about what it does to your anxiety levels.

Caffeine Challenge Induced Panic Attacks in Patients with Panic Disorder

June 22, 2007 — Patients with panic disorder or with major depression and panic attacks were more likely than control subjects to have panic attacks after drinking a high dose of caffeine, according to results of a small study by Isabella Nascimento, MD, and colleagues at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil.

These findings were presented in a poster at the American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting, in San Diego, California. The study was also published in the May-June issue of Comprehensive Psychiatry.

“Caffeine is a substance that may induce anxiety symptoms, and in patients with panic disorder, it may even induce panic attacks,” Rafael C. R. Freire, MD, one of the researchers, commented to Medscape.

“Patients with depression with anxiety symptoms such as panic attacks have a predisposition to develop panic attacks with caffeine,” added team member Valfrido L. de Melo Neto, MD.

The anxiogenic effects of coffee have been shown in patients with panic disorders and patients with anxiety disorders, the researchers note. They sought to determine whether patients diagnosed with panic disorder or those diagnosed with major depression with panic attacks — based on criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV) — would react in a similar way to an oral caffeine challenge test.

The study enrolled 29 patients diagnosed with panic disorder, 27 patients with major depression with panic attacks, 25 patients with major depression without panic attacks, and 28 healthy volunteers. The study subjects underwent a 4-week period with no psychotropic drugs. Then on 2 occasions, 7 days apart, the subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind challenge with either a 480-mg caffeine solution or a caffeine-free placebo solution that looked like coffee.

Dr. de Melo Neto commented that 480-mg caffeine is equivalent to about 5 cups of Brazilian coffee, which is much stronger than American coffee.

The patients were asked to rate their anxiety levels just before and 30 minutes after the caffeine challenge.

Compared with the depressed patients who did not have panic attacks or with the control subjects, the patients with panic disorder or with major depression with panic attacks were more sensitive to caffeine and more likely to have panic attacks.

Patients Who Experienced a Panic Attack After a 450-mg Caffeine Challenge

Outcome	PD Group (n = 29), n (%)	MDP Group, (n = 27), n (%)	MD Group, (n = 25), n (%)	Control Group, (n = 28), n (%)
Panic attack	17 (58. 6)	12 (44.4)	3 (12.0)	2 (7.1)

PD = panic disorder.

MDP = major depression with panic attacks.

MD = major depression without panic attacks.

No study subject had a panic attack after drinking the caffeine-free solution.

The patients with panic disorder or with major depression with panic attacks also reported feeling much more anxious after drinking 450 mg of caffeine.

SUDS Anxiety Rating* Before and After 450-mg Caffeine Challenge Test, mean ± SD

w3.org/1999/xlink” xmlns:dctm=”http://www.documentum.com” xmlns:fmt=”http://java.sun.com/jstl/fmt” xmlns:jsp=”jsp”>

SUDS rating	PD Group	MDP Group	MD Group	Control Group
Just before	2. 8 ± 2.2	2.8 ± 2.2	2.2 ± 1.9	2.5 ± 2.0
30 min after	6.5 ± 3.9	6.1 ± 3.3	2.8 ± 2.5	3.4 ± 2.6

PD = panic disorder.

MDP = major depression with panic attacks.

MD = major depression without panic attacks.

*SUDS = Subjective Units of Distress Scale; Anxiety rating from 0 (no anxiety) to 10 (maximum distress).

The team concludes that not only patients with panic disorder but also patients with major depression and panic attacks are hyperreactive to an oral high-dose caffeine challenge and have increased risk of caffeine-induced panic attacks.

The study was supported by the Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development.

American Psychiatric Association 2007 Annual Meeting: Abstract NR628. May 19-24, 2007.

Compr Psychiatry. 2007;48:257-263.
Abstract

90,000 How coffee can make you hysterical: personal experience of the editor of Vogue

Emotional disorders and panic attacks are now talked about openly and without shame: girlfriends honestly tell when they last went to the therapist and what antidepressants they were prescribed. All networks write about how important it is to monitor your emotional state in the first place, because if not everything is in order with him, then often health problems are added to this. I have never been one of the depressed people – I always switched quickly after some setbacks and did not concentrate on failures.Of course, there have been sadder times and happier times, but overall my life has always been stable – as has my mood. But in the last couple of months, everything has changed.

Emotional slides

Nervous shortness of breath in the office was not soothed even by a gulp of valerian and afobazole – before they always helped out at the most critical moments. The emotional background has turned into a roller coaster: one hour I am very active, the other – I don’t want to do anything and mindlessly wander through links on the Internet.The closer to the end of the day, the faster these slides change the amplitude of rise and fall and in the end they line up in a straight line – an extremely unpleasant nervous state when you want to cry over everything. Someone unsuccessfully put a shopping cart in front of you, blocking the path to the refrigerator – hysteria. The taxi driver went by not the most favorite route – a tragedy. There are notifications in the phone again – information trash. For almost a month, I got home, went to bed and did not get up: my brain was torn from the number of plans that I wanted to implement, but in the end I could not choose one thing and waited for the nervous strain to release me.At the same time, it cannot be said that more tasks appeared at work or there was a stressful period – in general, nothing changed. But, leaving the walls of the office, I almost always wanted to cry. Just like that and for no reason. As a moderately experienced beauty editor who had read and written thousands of texts about self-care – including taking care of the emotional state – I began to look for a problem in my lifestyle. And I found it – in a cup of coffee.

Perhaps you will be surprised and think that this is just my fantasy: everyone drinks coffee all the time, and if the reason was really in it, my emotional problems would begin much earlier. But the fact is, before this summer, I had never drunk more than one cup a month. It was not customary in our family to start the morning with coffee – more often than not, it was simply not available in the house. When I was an adult, I learned that many people sit tightly on this drink. Craving to repeat after others did not appear then – I never particularly liked the taste of strong coffee. Anyway, I was more often nauseated than invigorated by him. However, office work from nine to six made its own adjustments. I resisted for a very long time, but by the end of May I noticed that thanks to a cup of coffee in the afternoon it is much easier to give up snacks and the “birthday” pizza that appears on our editorial table with enviable consistency.Thanks to the coffee, the body dried out: the fat partly disappeared, which I did not really like. So a cup of drink in the afternoon turned into a ritual – it gave me vigor and helped me to survive until dinner without an afternoon snack. Smoothly I got hooked on coffee – the morning also began to start with it. On especially bad days, I drank three cups. Baby talk, you say. But it turned out that such a dose for my 153 centimeters in height is quite enough to fly off the coils a little.

Why did I start looking for the problem in caffeine

I guessed that the problem lies in coffee – there have been no other strong changes in my life lately.But to try not just to reduce the dose, but to completely abandon this drink, I was prompted by the result of a genetic test, which I passed in Atlas during the preparation of one of our materials. It was clearly stated: my body slowly removes caffeine. This means that several cups drunk on the same day work with double power. For those who like theoretical descriptions, I will clarify that I have the CYP1A2 gene, which reduces the activity of cytochrome, as a result of which caffeine stays in the body longer and provokes unwanted side effects.Moreover, the problem lurked precisely in coffee – such emotional states did not arise from tea. This is because tea contains tannins, due to which caffeine is less absorbed and softer.

What Scientific Research Says

If not completely with caffeine, then at least with coffee, it was decided to end it. And of course, first of all, I climbed to read various studies on the relationship between caffeine and our emotional state. The results of the hunt for information turned out to be very interesting.

It was concluded in Cambridge in 2005 that caffeine can aggravate nervous conditions, and its excessive use causes symptoms very similar to many serious mental disorders. At the same time, most doctors do not even specify whether you drink coffee or not when they make serious diagnoses. Of course, caffeine does not have this effect on everyone: if you have emotional problems, you may be at risk. Especially the sensitivity to this substance is increased in people with panic disorders and social phobia – in them caffeine can cause panic attacks.

“In my practice, the question of the amount of coffee is discussed with almost every patient, since in many diseases its consumption must be reduced. This is an exacerbation of gastritis, peptic ulcer, heartburn. But still, even in such cases, we allow up to two cups a day, – says Elena Volodkina, a gastroenterologist and nutritionist at the Aging Control clinic. “Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, and if a patient is prone to irritability, tenseness and anxiety, then caffeine can negatively affect him and aggravate these symptoms.”

In order to fully understand this issue and not be unfounded, I talked with a psychiatrist at the First Moscow State Medical University. I.M.Sechenov by Dmitry Sergeevich Petelin.

Not quite the standard perception of caffeine – a disease? “On the territory of the Russian Federation, as in most countries of the world, the so-called international classification of diseases of the tenth revision is used. It lists all existing diseases and conditions that can be diagnosed as a person at the reception.This list contains a section on “Mental and Behavioral Disorders Associated with Coffee Consumption”. True, there it is not allocated separately, but is indicated along with other stimulants – drugs that invigorate or increase the level of activity. That is, in theory, such a diagnosis exists, but in practice it is rarely made. It must be emphasized that under this “rubric” there is a whole set of states that can be identified. Among them – acute intoxication with a large amount of coffee, dependence on drinking and so on. “

What is your daily caffeine intake? “There is a recommendation of 400 milligrams. That’s the equivalent of about five standard espressos, two half-liter cans of energy drinks, about two and a half Starbucks coffee drinks, or ten 0.33-milliliter cans of Coca-Cola. It should be added right away that many people prefer to drink coffee, which they brew on their own, or instant coffee. In this case, it is difficult to measure how much caffeine is in each cup. “

Can the body’s elimination of caffeine be accelerated? “More likely no than yes. The fact is that caffeine is processed in the liver by a set of compounds that has no biological activity, and then excreted by the kidneys. The weakening of the effect of caffeine depends on the speed with which the liver processes it; accelerating this process is problematic. Typically, in four to five hours, the concentration of caffeine in the blood is halved. At the same time, the duration of caffeine processing depends on many factors acting on the liver.It may differ for one person on different days. For example, if a person smokes and has consumed a large amount of nicotine during the day, then the liver’s ability to process caffeine increases and, accordingly, it will be excreted from the body faster, which will not be observed after a few days. But I am by no means encouraging smoking in order to speed up the processing of caffeine. ”

Is there a relationship between mental illness and caffeine consumption? “There is a link between caffeine and mental illness.For example, a well-known illness such as schizophrenia can be divided into positive and negative. Positive symptoms – psychosis, hallucinations (when a person hears something that is not there, he has delusional ideas that someone is pursuing him). Negative symptoms – emotional isolation, impaired intelligence. Caffeine, as a mild, mild stimulant, can act on both symptoms. That is, in some situations, in predisposed people, taking large amounts of caffeine can unmask positive symptoms.The person was already preparing for the onset of schizophrenia, he had such a genetic risk, everything came together, and against the background of a large amount of coffee, the nervous system was still stimulated – a response in the form of psychosis occurred. It is incorrect to say that caffeine caused the disease, but it provoked it. ”

Does this mean that everyone needs to give up coffee? “In all such situations, the problem is not in coffee, not in caffeine, but primarily in the human condition. If he is experiencing emotional stress, then caffeine can exacerbate unpleasant symptoms.Indeed, there are people for whom, for medical reasons, taking large quantities of coffee or drinking coffee at all may not be recommended due to the threat to health. This is not applicable to practically healthy people. Let’s just say that severe anxiety while taking coffee may indicate the presence of an early undiagnosed anxiety disorder. But in each specific case, only a doctor can figure it out on the basis of a detailed examination. It is impossible to give general recommendations for such a person. “

Who needs to drink less coffee

After talking with doctors and studying the literature on the topic, I came to the conclusion that coffee is not the best drink for those who work in stressful areas. So if you find yourself having a hard time, try replacing the life-giving liquid from the coffee maker with something else. Fortunately, now there are many alternatives: turmeric latte, Japanese matcha, chicory, cocoa. All of them are a little invigorating and relieve hunger. And don’t expect miracles: if you sleep for four hours, no drink will fill you with energy.

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Can coffee trigger an alarm? | Advice from a psychotherapist

Anxiety is a serious problem. It is essentially long-term stress, and stress is a disturbance in the body and mind. Stress causes DNA damage – it literally damages every one of your cells, and anxiety can potentially put you at risk of cancer, organ failure, memory loss, etc.

In the short term, anxiety also causes damage.Regular, persistent worry causes fatigue and negative thinking that eliminates any joys in life. It can also cause physical symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, and muscle acne, which can make it difficult to stay active.

In general, when you experience anxiety on a regular basis, it needs to be treated. The only way to deal with this is to make sure you are not causing it, and one common item that people consider to be a cause for concern is coffee.

Coffee can cause nervous tension and an increase in heart rate.This alone is not a cause for concern, but if you already have anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Take a free 7-minute anxiety test to assess your anxiety symptoms, compare it to others, and see if there are ways to control it.

Start anxiety test .

Diet – as a cause of anxiety

Diet can also lead to anxiety. Certain foods can actually help fight anxiety by providing you with nutrients that act as sedatives.Other foods can aggravate anxiety – causing many of its symptoms.

Ask most expert psychotherapists and they will tell you that one of the foods that consistently promotes anxiety is coffee. At the time of this writing, there are nearly 300,000 Google Search results for Food of Anxiety and Coffee. These experts recommend that those with anxiety abstain from coffee in order to control the symptoms of anxiety.

The origin of this is not so clear.

People seem to think coffee is anxiety because many people think it causes nervous behavior. Of course, excess caffeine (more than the recommended daily limit of 300 mg of caffeine per day) can cause some problems like indigestion, muscle tremors, and some other problems that people associate with caffeine.

But in moderation, caffeine is quite mild, and healthy people often have few symptoms.

Potential benefits of coffee on alarm

It is important to note that we are talking about one to four cups of coffee or tea a day, without the addition of ingredients such as sugar, cream, etc.

Given these parameters, there is reason to believe that caffeine has no negative effect on anxiety and may be beneficial for those with mild to moderate generalized anxiety.

Research shows that drinking coffee in moderation does not contribute to anxiety in healthy people, on the contrary, in some cases it can help you get rid of mild anxiety.

An interesting study on the possible benefits of consuming caffeine was published in the New York Times.They showed several factors of caffeine, including:

• Effect on mood. Those who consumed caffeine tended to have an “improved sense of well-being.” It seems that caffeine itself has a natural “uplifting” ability. Studies have shown that caffeine can reduce mild depression and calm the mind. Many people also feel better, with higher levels of happiness, which in theory reduces the anxiety they experience.
• Increased energy.Mental and physical energy is an important part of living with anxiety. While anxiety can be described as a pent-up energy, the reality is that anxiety tends to cause fatigue and a general indifference to life’s events. Maintaining an active social life and completing tasks requires energy, and for many, caffeine provides that energy.
• Cognitive Benefits. Research has also shown that caffeine has beneficial effects on memory and cognition.Intelligent decision making and comfort with your own memory are valuable tools for dealing with life’s stresses, and as such, caffeine may possibly provide some level of additional support to work through the day.
• Routine. Routine is part of the daily routine that can benefit from caffeine. Your own daily routine is a natural form of comfort. The more familiar your day goes, the more comfortable you feel with yourself and your surroundings. Those who drink coffee often start to need it as a way to avoid withdrawal (and just as a nice drink to start the day).It induces a routine, and can help you start your day more comfortably.

Each is a potential reason why caffeine may benefit those living with anxiety. But even if you don’t believe these benefits, the reality is that there is very little, if any, evidence that caffeine is adversely affecting people living with anxiety.

Whether or not to drink coffee in case of anxiety

Those who live with anxiety face significant stress on a daily basis.This stress can have a profound effect on daily life, and those who suffer from this level of anxiety should consider everything to improve their quality of life.

If you want to try to cut caffeine from your diet, you must cut it. The potential side effects of caffeine are mild at best, and people respond differently to various dietary changes, so you can quit caffeine and see how it has impacted your life and whether it has lessened your anxiety.

However, research does not yet show a strong link between coffee and anxiety, and some studies do show the opposite effect: not only does caffeine not affect anxiety, it can also be beneficial.As long as you limit your caffeine intake to your daily intake and do not suffer from panic attacks, there is no reason to believe that you need to stop drinking coffee.

Caffeine. 9 Signs of overdose

Contents show

Drinking caffeine in moderation increases alertness, increases reaction speed, improves vision, boosts immunity, we become stronger and can work without sleep, and what happens to our body when we drink too much coffee?

Translated by Franziska Spritzler “9 Side Effects of Too Much Caffeine”

Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy drinks.

Most of them contain caffeine (caffeine sodium benzoate) – a substance that improves mood, improves digestion, improves mental and physical performance.

Studies have also shown that caffeine in small amounts is safe for most people. However, high doses of caffeine can have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

After analyzing the scientific data, we can say that our genes have a great influence on the susceptibility to it.Some of us can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing any side effects.

Moreover, people who are not used to caffeine may experience unpleasant symptoms even after consuming a tiny amount.

9 side effects of caffeine abuse

1. Anxiety

Caffeine is known to increase blood pressure.

This is because it blocks the actions of adenosine, a brain chemical.It is believed that it is adenosine that plays a role in stimulating sleep and suppressing wakefulness, as its concentration increases during prolonged wakefulness of the body and decreases during subsequent sleep … © wikipedia. At the same time, caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline, the hormone of anxiety and aggression associated with increased energy.

However, at higher doses, these effects may become more pronounced, leading to anxiety and nervousness.

In fact, caffeine-induced anxiety is one of four caffeine syndromes listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) , published by the American Psychiatric Association.

It has been reported that consumption in very high daily doses of 1000 mg (10 cups of coffee) or more leads to nervousness and tremors in most people, and in sensitive people even moderate consumption can lead to similar effects.

In addition, even moderate doses have been shown to cause rapid breathing and increase stress levels.

One study of 25 healthy men found that those who took about 300 mg of caffeine experienced more than double the stress of those who took a placebo.

Interestingly, stress levels did not differ much with regular and less frequent caffeine consumption, from which we can conclude that the substance has the same effect on stress levels, regardless of how regularly you take it.

Nevertheless, the results obtained are preliminary.

If you find yourself frequently feeling nervous or shivering, you may want to consider your caffeine intake and cut it down.

Although drinking caffeine in moderation increases alertness, large amounts can lead to anxiety and irritability.Monitor your health in order to determine how much is right for you.

2. Insomnia

One of the most valuable qualities of coffee is its ability to help people cheer up.

On the other hand, too much coffee can interfere with getting the sleep you need to recuperate.

Studies have shown that large doses of coffee increase the time it takes to fall asleep. Overall sleep time may also decrease, especially in the elderly.

In contrast, low to moderate amounts of coffee do not appear to have a significant impact on sleep in people who generally sleep well, and even those with insomnia.

If you underestimate the amount of coffee you take, you may not even realize how much coffee can negatively affect your sleep.

Although coffee and tea are the most concentrated sources of caffeine, it is also found in soda, cocoa, energy drinks, and some medications.

For example, an energy drink can contain up to 350 mg of caffeine, but there are also those in which the level of caffeine reaches as much as 500 mg per can, that is, 3-5 times more than in a cup of coffee.

It is important that the amount of caffeine you can consume without harming your sleep will depend on your genetics and other factors.

In addition, caffeine consumed during the day can damage your sleep later because its effects last for several hours.

Studies have shown that although caffeine stays in your body for an average of five hours, this can vary from one and a half to nine hours, depending on the person.

Another study examined how timing of caffeine intake affects sleep. Twelve healthy adults were given 400 mg of caffeine six hours before bed, three hours, or just before bed.

The time it took to fall asleep increased significantly in all three groups.

These results show that it is important to pay attention not only to the amount, but also to the timing of caffeine intake before bed.

Coffee helps you stay awake throughout the day, but can negatively affect your sleep.Try to limit your caffeine intake in the evening to avoid sleep problems.

3. Digestive problems

Many people believe that a cup of coffee in the morning helps the intestines and even use caffeine for weight loss.

The laxative effect of coffee is attributed to the release of gastrin, a hormone produced by the stomach that accelerates activity in the colon. Studies have shown that drinking decaffeinated coffee has a similar effect.

Given this property of coffee, it is not surprising that in large doses it can lead to loose stools or even cause diarrhea in some people.

Although coffee was believed to cause stomach ulcers for many years, a large study of more than 8000 people found no link.

On the other hand, some studies show that caffeinated drinks can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some.This is especially true of coffee.

In another small study, caffeinated water was given to five healthy adults, which relaxed their muscles to prevent heartburn, which is a hallmark of GERD.

Since coffee consumption can have serious consequences for digestive function, you may want to reduce the amount or switch to tea if you are concerned about similar problems.

Some coffee can actually improve bowel motility, but large doses can lead to loose stools or GERD.For these symptoms, it is better to reduce your coffee intake or switch to tea. The caffeine in green tea is less concentrated.

4. Muscle breakdown

Rhabdomyolysis is a very serious condition in which damaged muscle fibers enter the bloodstream, leading to kidney failure and other problems.

Rare cases of rhabdomyolysis from excessive consumption of caffeine have also been reported.

In one example, a woman after consuming 32 ounces (1 liter) of coffee containing approximately 565 mg of caffeine developed the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and dark urine.Fortunately, after the course of treatment, she recovered.

It is important to note that this is a very high dose of caffeine, especially for those who are not used to this amount or are very sensitive to the effect of the substance on the body.

not sure how much your body is used to.

5. Addictiveness

For all its health benefits, it cannot be denied that coffee is addictive.

A detailed report shows that caffeine induces some of the chemical reactions in the brain, similar to cocaine and amphetamines, it does not induce the classic addiction, as is the case with narcotic drugs.

However, when consumed in large quantities, caffeine can lead to psychological or physical dependence.

In one study, 16 people who consumed varying amounts of coffee took a vocabulary test but had not consumed it for 24 hours before.Only people who were accustomed to consuming large amounts of coffee gave a clear preference for words associated with coffee, and experienced a strong craving for caffeine.

Frequency of use may also play a role in addiction.

In another study, 213 coffee drinkers completed a questionnaire after abstaining from coffee for 16 hours. Those who drank coffee every day had more frequent headaches, fatigue and other unpleasant symptoms, nothing of the kind was seen in the rest.

Although the remedy does not appear to be truly addictive with regular consumption of coffee or other caffeinated beverages, the chances are increased that you will be dependent on its effects on your body.

Avoiding coffee for several hours can lead to psychological or physical withdrawal symptoms in those who consume large quantities of it daily.

6. High blood pressure

In general, coffee should not increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in most people.

However, it can raise blood pressure, as has been proven by some studies, due to its stimulating effect on the nervous system.

Therefore, it is so important to pay attention to the amount of caffeine consumed, especially with high blood pressure.

Caffeine raises blood pressure when consumed in large quantities and in people who take it infrequently. But this is a temporary effect, so it is best to carefully monitor your well-being.

7. Rapid heartbeat

The stimulating effect of high coffee consumption can cause your heart to beat faster.

It can also lead to a change in the rhythm of the heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. A similar effect was observed in young people who consumed energy drinks containing extremely high doses of caffeine.

In one example study, a woman who took a large dose of caffeine powder and pill in an attempted suicide was found to have a rapid heart rate, kidney failure, and other serious health problems.

However, not everyone has this effect. In fact, even people with heart problems can tolerate small amounts of coffee without any adverse effects.

In another study, 51 patients with heart failure were observed to take 100 mg of caffeine per hour for five hours, while their heart rate and rhythms remained normal.

Regardless of the results of various studies, if you notice any changes in your heart rate after consuming caffeinated drinks, consider reducing this amount.

8. Fatigue

Coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks are known for their invigorating effects.

At the same time, when caffeine is eliminated from the body, the opposite effect of fatigue can occur.

One review found that although caffeinated beverages increased alertness and improved mood for several hours, study participants often felt more tired than usual the next day.

To avoid the rebound effect, you can continue drinking coffee throughout the day. But it can negatively affect your sleep.

To maximize the energy-generating properties of coffee and avoid subsequent fatigue, consume it in moderate, small doses.

While coffee provides us with the energy we need, it can also lead to the fatigue that comes after. Try to drink coffee in moderation to avoid the so-called “rebound effect”.

9. Frequent urination

Frequent urination may become common for those who consume large quantities, due to its stimulating effect on the bladder.

You may have noticed that you go to the toilet more often when you drink a lot of coffee or tea.

Most of the studies investigating the effect of substance properties on urinary frequency have focused on the elderly and those who have problems with overactive bladder and incontinence.

In one study, 12 middle-aged young adults with overactive bladders consumed 2 mg of caffeine per pound of their weight (4.5 mg per kilogram), which resulted in a significant increase in urinary frequency.

For people weighing 150 pounds (58 kg), this would be approximately 300 mg of caffeine per day.

In addition, increased consumption of caffeine may increase the likelihood of incontinence in healthy people.

In one large study of more than 65,000 women, it was found that high caffeine intake can cause urinary incontinence, even if this problem has not occurred before.

Those who took more than 450 mg per day had a significantly higher risk of incontinence than those who consumed 150 mg daily.

If you drink a lot of caffeinated beverages and feel that your urination is increasing, try cutting back on your caffeine intake and see if your symptoms are improving.

High caffeine intake is directly related to urinary frequency and has been proven in several studies. Reducing the amount of caffeine you take may help alleviate this problem.

Summarizing the line

Consuming coffee in a reasonable range undoubtedly has a number of health benefits for most people.

On the other hand, excessive consumption of drinks with a high caffeine content can lead to side effects that interfere with daily life and cause serious health problems. Caffeine overdose is just as dangerous.

While rates can vary from person to person, studies on the effects of high caffeine intake show that more is not better.

To reap the benefits of caffeine without undesirable effects, measure your sleep realistically, monitor your energy levels and other factors that may be affected, and reduce your intake if necessary.

Video: Excessive Caffeine Consumption

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Coffee can trigger anxiety attacks | Health | MIGnews – MigNews

09.03 22:19
MIGnews.com

Coffee can trigger an anxiety attack

Coffee is a drug that most people take daily, several times a day.Some people think it’s a fantastically easy way to increase brain productivity, but research shows that people underestimate the effects of caffeine on the body and brain, according to the Daily Mail.

Caffeine is an extremely powerful, psychoactive substance that, in moderation, makes us feel good. In large enough doses, it can even be fatal.

Caffeine is extremely mobile in the body: a small molecule reaches the brain in just 20 minutes and easily interferes with the blood-brain barrier.Once there, it is blocked by the absorption of the neurotransmitter adenosine, which tells the brain about our sleepiness.

But caffeine also has physiological effects – it stimulates the central nervous system, so that alertness increases, reaction time decreases and accent is sharpened. Blood pressure will rise and the heart may start beating harder: all of these symptoms are commonly associated with anxiety.

University of Michigan’s John Greden believes that too much caffeine can make almost anyone anxious.He first encountered “caffeinism” when a 27-year-old nurse complained of dizziness, tremors, shortness of breath, headache and irregular heartbeat. She was first diagnosed with an anxiety reaction, but later it was revealed that the cause was coffee.

She consumed an average of 10 to 12 cups of strong black coffee per day. As soon as she reduced that number to five, her symptoms disappeared.

Obviously this is an extreme example, as most people stop at three or four cups of coffee a day.But this example illustrates one important point: while many people complain about anxiety from psychopharmacological drugs, for others, removing caffeine from the diet would be the best treatment.

Caffeine has also been linked to panic attacks that people experience when they feel like they are losing control and something terrible is happening. These attacks are very debilitating and can occur surprisingly frequently in a person.

A study published in 2007 examined three groups of subjects: a control group of healthy people with no history of panic disorder, people with a history of panic disorder, and first-degree relatives of a group with panic disorder who did not have a history of panic attacks.

Subjects were given decaffeinated or high caffeine drinks (equivalent to six cans of Red Bull or 1.2 L of moderately strong coffee). No one experienced anxiety attacks or increased anxiety after decaf. But 52 percent of patients who drank high-caffeine drinks experienced anxiety attacks. An unexpected finding was that 41 percent of first-degree relatives of people with panic attacks also suffered from a panic attack.

Researchers advise people not to get attached to coffee, but to make their favorite drink any other from which one can also enjoy. At the very least, coffee lovers are advised to periodically take a break and give up coffee for several days, which will help relieve headaches, fatigue, apathy and depression.

Caffeine causes panic attacks and anxiety

Photo: belgusto.com.ua

Caffeine is a powerful psychoactive compound.In large doses, it can even be fatal, Meddaily.ru notes with reference to The Daily Mail. One sixteenth teaspoon of caffeine powder gives a good boost of vigor, but a quarter teaspoon provokes heart palpitations, sweating and acute anxiety. Moreover, every 20th adult suffers from anxiety. It is possible that the prevalence of tea, coffee and energy drinks contributes to this statistic.

The peculiarity of caffeine is increased mobility.The caffeine molecule is so small that it reaches the brain in just 20 minutes, easily passing the blood-brain barrier. Once the molecule is in the brain, it blocks the uptake of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that signals the brain to sleepiness. Plus, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, slightly increases blood pressure.

According to John Greden, almost everyone starts to experience anxiety symptoms when exposed to caffeine. Moreover, there is a genetic predisposition to mental disorders caused by caffeine.This includes acute anxiety and panic attacks. Everything is due to the difference in the adenosine receptors. For the same reason, some fall asleep without problems even after five cups of coffee.

The fact that caffeine is associated with panic attacks has been proven experimentally. It turned out that 52% of people experienced panic attacks or anxiety after consuming coffee and caffeine. At the same time, the same reaction was observed in 41% of relatives of the first stage. And before that, panic attacks had never happened in humans.In some cases, caffeine also caused hallucinations. This is how the combination of caffeine and high stress levels worked. By the way, giving up caffeine gives a full-fledged withdrawal syndrome. It manifests itself in headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, apathy and depression.

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The danger of coffee is named – RIA Novosti, 02/17/2021

https://ria.ru/20201103/kofe-1582872220.html

The danger of coffee is named

The danger of coffee is named – RIA Novosti, 17.02.2021

Dangers of coffee identified

Consuming large amounts of coffee can affect mental health. This is the conclusion reached by experts interviewed by the Huffington Post. RIA Novosti, 17.02.2021

2020-11-03T17: 15

2020-11-03T17: 15

2021-02-17T19: 45

society

coffee

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MOSCOW, November 3 – RIA Novosti. Consuming large amounts of coffee can affect mental health. According to experts interviewed by the Huffington Post, the drink’s stimulating effects mimic or exacerbate symptoms of anxiety disorder. Studies have shown that the body of people reacts differently to coffee: someone can drink a triple dose of espresso and go to bed, while others will be on stress all day from the same amount of drink.In general, people with preexisting symptoms of anxiety disorder are more sensitive to caffeine, according to the article. The popular drink makes some people nervous and anxious because caffeine blocks the receptors in the brain responsible for adenosine. This chemical compound regulates many processes in the body, including stimulating sleep and suppressing alertness. Experts recommend drinking no more than 400 milligrams of coffee a day, which is equivalent to four cups. To reduce dependence on this drink, you need to gradually reduce its consumption over two to three weeks.

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society, coffee

MOSCOW, November 3 – RIA Novosti. Consuming large amounts of coffee can affect mental health. This is the conclusion reached by experts interviewed by the Huffington Post.

The stimulant effects of the drink mimic or exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety disorder, experts say.

Studies have shown that the body of people reacts differently to coffee: someone can drink a triple shot of espresso and go to bed, while others will be on stress all day from the same amount of drink. In general, people with preexisting symptoms of anxiety disorder are more sensitive to caffeine, the article says.

“This discrepancy in response may be due to genetic differences, taking medications such as oral contraceptives, and how much caffeine is normal for the body,” said Laura Giuliano, professor at the American University of Psychology.

A popular drink makes some people nervous and anxious because caffeine blocks the receptors in the brain responsible for adenosine. This chemical compound regulates many processes in the body, including stimulating sleep and suppressing alertness.

21 October 2020, 01:30 To reduce dependence on this drink, you need to gradually reduce its consumption over two to three weeks.

Products that cause panic attacks are named

Scientists have come to the conclusion that a number of products familiar to a person can provoke an exacerbation of anxiety symptoms, up to the appearance of panic attacks.

So, according to experts, drinking a lot of tea or coffee increases the level of adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol in the blood, which can cause the appearance of nervousness even in those who do not have mental health problems.

“In addition, if a person is prone to anxiety, caffeine can even bring him to a panic attack,” the scientists emphasized.

Foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan will help prevent nervousness. The fact is that an insufficient level of this substance reduces the production of serotonin, which provokes depression, insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders.

Tryptophan is found in fish, crabs, spinach, oats, eggs, bananas, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Foods rich in antioxidants and zinc can also help reduce anxiety. These are kefir, sauerkraut, vegetables (artichokes, beets, broccoli), fruits, nuts, pickles, beans, turmeric and ginger, beef, liver, oysters, Izvestia says.

Previously, scientists called the amount of coffee mugs dangerous to health.

At the same time, in July, American scientists discovered an unexpected benefit of the aroma of coffee. They found that the smell of coffee can improve the performance of analytical tasks in humans.

Previously, experts found that increasing caffeine intake may reduce the risk of death in people with chronic kidney disease.