Caffeinism: A Cause of Mental Illness?
By Jacob Inman, Revive Your Life Executive Editor
Photo by pfv
I’ve finally made the decision to quit drinking coffee - sort of. My goal is not to stay away from coffee for the rest of my life, but instead to end my current state of dependence on the widely-used, legal drug that comes with every sip - caffeine. Once I succeed in breaking the addiction, I may consider enjoying the occasional Starbucks treat, but when that time comes, I will drink because I choose to, not out of necessity.
You might be thinking, “This guy acts like he is addicted to crack, its coffee for goodness sake!” In a sense, you’re right, it could be much worse. It’s not so much the fact of what it is that my mind and body have a dependence on, it’s the fact that the dependence which exists is detrimental to my health and sense of well-being. Caffeine has a bigger impact on our health that most of us would ever imagine.
I’ve studied some of the recent research related to the negative impacts that caffeine is known to have on our health. It’s rather astounding to take a glimpse into the theory of “caffeinism”, a term that many researchers are using to describe the myriad of health problem that have been linked to our overuse of this drug. Here is an interesting excerpt from the book authored by Nutritional Biochemist Stephen Cherniske titled “Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Dangers of America’s #1 Drug”:
If a person were injected with 500 milligrams of caffeine [less than the dosage recently discovered in some 16-ounce Starbucks brews], within about an hour he or she would exhibit symptoms of severe mental illness, among them hallucinations, paranoia, panic, mania, and depression. But the same amount of caffeine administered over the course of a day only produces the milder forms of insanity for which we take tranquilizers and antidepressants.
Wow!
So what effect does caffeine actually have on human physiology? Is there really a physical basis for caffeine addiction and my need to race to the coffee maker once the alarm clock goes off?
Caffeine has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, similar to other drugs such as alcohol and nicotine. Because of its similar molecular structure in comparison to adenosine (a nucleotide which plays an important role in certain biochemical processes), caffeine acts as an adenosine antagonist by latching on to adenosine receptors in the brain. Caffeine does not have the power to stimulate these receptors, but its presence prevents adenosine from latching on and performing its’ usual functions. As a result, dopamine levels in the brain are increased, thereby creating the stimulating “coffee buzz” that we all know and love.
Caffeine also triggers a release of epinephrine (adrenaline), the chemical that is mainly responsible for our internal “stress response”. Adrenaline increases our blood pressure and heart rate in order to prepare ourselves for a perceived threat. Of course, in this case there is no real or perceived threat, the reaction is due solely to the fact the we chose to ingest caffeine.
Let’s take a look at some interesting connections that certain studies have made between caffeine consumption and various health problems.
Caffeine and Anxiety
Consider the physiologically stimulating effects that were highlighted above, in particular, the adrenaline response. Adrenaline plays a very important role in our instinctive process, but its continual release fueled by the growing amount of caffeinated drinks we consume is not healthy. Caffeine consumption, even in moderate amounts, is strongly correlated with the incidence of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia.
Calvin Thrash, M.D. and author of the book, “Food Allergies Made Simple”, says:
“Thousands are in mental institutions today because of no greater matter than that of the use of caffeine. Psychiatrists are now publishing articles indicating that there are numerous cases of depression and anxiety in mental institutions who need no other treatment than to be taken off caffeine. It would seem that with such a simple remedy available, many thousands of people could be returned to their full usefulness promptly. However, the use of caffeine is so traditional and firmly entrenched that it is almost impossible to remove caffeinated drinks from the diet of patients in the mental institutions. Soft drink machines, coffee dispensers, and the traditional coffee break are common pastimes in mental institutions, and with those who are mentally ill at home.”
It’s been determined that most people prone to anxiety will limit their caffeine consumption, but there are many people who don’t make the connection between their constant state of anxiety and the high levels of caffeine that they consume. Often, long-time users (me included) who are dependent on the drug fail to recognize what a negative impact caffeine has on our lives.
Caffeine, Sleep and Fatigue
I think we all know better than to guzzle a cup of java just before going to bed for the night. I was, however, surprised to find out that caffeine that we ingest in the early morning hours can impact the quality of sleep that we get the following night. This is particularly true of regular morning-coffee drinkers because, by the time they go to bed, symptoms of caffeine withdrawal (discussed below) begin to appear.
Because the half-life of caffeine averages between 4-6 hours, afternoon consumption of caffeinated beverages should be avoided as well. I know of many people who feel the need for a post-lunch boost, usually around 3 p.m., and feel that the only way to stay awake and re-energize is by drinking a cup of coffee or a caffeine-laced soft drink. While this may provide the boost they’re after, it will undoubtedly be followed by an energy crash because of caffeine’s impact on blood sugar levels. In addition, the afternoon buzz that was experienced will linger on into the late evening creating the potential for insomnia or disrupted sleep.
Remember that release of adrenaline that follows caffeine ingestion? The important point here is that this is a drug-induced adrenaline response that is repetitive based on the amount and frequency of one’s caffeine consumption. Because of this constant flow of adrenaline, it is likely that many will experience Adrenal Fatigue, an affliction that is caused by the body’s inability to respond to stress via the production of cortisol. The symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, lethargy, fatigue, and cravings for sugars and caffeine - go figure.
How Do You Know If You Are Caffeine Dependent?
Here are some questions to ask yourself. The more “yes” answers you have, the more likely you are to be dependent on caffeine (and the more you should consider reducing or eliminating your consumption).
- Are you abnormally groggy in the morning until you drink that first cup of coffee?
- Do you wait impatiently for the coffee maker to finish brewing a pot of coffee?
- Do you feel jittery, fatigued, moody, or anxious throughout the day?
- Do you require an afternoon “boost” consisting of a cup of coffee or a soft drink?
- Do you have trouble getting to sleep?
- Do you drink more than 2-3 cups of caffeinated beverages per day?
Kick the Caffeine Habit
So you’ve decided that you ingest too much caffeine and you want to cut back or eliminate further use. Should you just quit cold turkey? Should you gradually decrease your intake over time? Similar to any dependence, it is likely that you will experience some withdrawal symptoms, especially if you are a long-time frequent user. The most common withdrawal symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and mild depression. Some people find that these symptoms are minor, while others experience them much more intensely and for longer periods of time. On average, these symptoms should be expected to last about 5-8 days and can be minimized by gradually decreasing your caffeine intake over a period of 2-3 weeks.
As of yesterday, my plan was to gradually reduce the amount of coffee that I drink per day over the next two weeks and then, quit drinking it all together for several months. Now that I am at the end of this article, and with all of the related health concerns fresh in my mind…I think I might opt for quitting cold turkey. Stay away from me for the next 5-8 days!!
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In fact you shouldnt ‘go cold turkey’ you should phase it out gradualy. So if you have 3 coffee’s a day then you should have 2 and a half by mixing in decaf or just have less. Overwise you will experience ‘caffeiene withdrawal syndrome’ which is a recognised mental illness.
I am not aware of this fact about caffein and I’m glad to have known this. I drink 3 cups of coffee everyday but in 3-in-1 coffee mix. I hope I’m not going too far. Having a sip of coffee in the morning starts my day.
wow, I even have caffeinated soap..
Caffeine is something that can really help your body to be more active. However, it can also make your condition be seriously worst! I would like to explore on some point you cited here.
Acquiring bipolar disorder and schizophrenia because of coffee sounds really frightening. I also drink coffee regularly, particularly in the morning. According to one article I’ve read maybe months ago, we can avoid insomnia if we don’t drink anything with caffeine after 12 noon because if you do, you will have a hard time sleeping at night or you will have a staggered sleep. I think it’s time for me to limit my coffee-drinking habit before I get mentally ill. Thanks for the information.
I am well aware of the effects of caffeine but I just couldn’t help drinking coffee. Perhaps I got used to drinking coffee ever since I started working. There are some effects which I haven’t known. So now that I have learned more from the information you have given. I might limit myself from drinking or maybe I’LL TRY TO LIMIT.