Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Scientists are uncertain about what causes ADHD but according to the American Psychiatric Association genetic and neurobiology factors are thought to play a significant role. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that may help treat the symptoms of ADHD.
Considerations
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Individuals who are unwilling or unable to use medication have used alternative treatments for ADHD such as vision therapy, homeopathic remedies, chiropractic adjustments and herbal remedies such as caffeine.
Function
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, caffeine is consumed by more than 90 percent of people worldwide. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and in medicine. One 5 oz. cup of coffee has 60 mg to 150 mg of caffeine. Caffeine's stimulant effect is experienced within 30 minutes of ingestion and lasts up to six hours.
History
For more than 35 years, caffeine has been used to treat ADHD with mixed results. In February 1978, Dr. D.H. Harvey reported in "Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology" that "whole coffee was associated with a significant improvement on all measures" of ADHD. However, a study published in February 1998 in "Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology" by Dr. J.R. Hughes states that caffeine "does not consistently improve performance in children with ADHD."
Expert Insight
Dr. Joseph Biederman of the Harvard Medical School Department of Psychiatry reported in the June 2005 "Biological Psychiatry" that a dysfunction in the brain's frontal cortex as well as imbalances in the brain's neurotransmitter systems, may contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Caffeine's cognitive benefits are the result of adenosine receptor action improving the brain's neurotransmission, Dr. Sergie Ferre of the National Institute of Drug Abuse wrote in the May 2008 "Journal of Neurochemistry."
Theories/Speculation
In the March 2009 issue of "Behavioral Pharmacology," Dr. V. A. Pires reported that adenosine blockers such as caffeine "might represent potentially interesting drugs for the treatment of ADHD." Dr. Pires conducted a study with rats that display hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, poor sustained attention, and learning impairments. When the rats were given caffeine, their memory and learning impairments improved.
Considerations
According to the FDA, caffeine in doses up to 200 mg per day are safe, and doses higher than 600 mg per day can be harmful. Caffeine affects people differently and some people experience problems such as high blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, and nervousness after consuming caffeine. Caffeine can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms that include headaches and depression. Caffeine should be used with caution by women during pregnancy and while breast feeding.
