Many people rely on their morning hit of caffeine to get them going. Caffeine is present in tea, coffee and soda and gives people a quick pick me up. A cup or two isn't usually harmful, but consuming more than 200 to 300mg per day can cause problems in many areas of your health, including your mental wellness, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is especially true for those who have existing psychological issues.
Anxiety
The amount of caffeine that can be tolerated varies widely among people, but if you suffer from an anxiety issue you may only be able to consume a small amount before symptoms set in. According to The Royal College of Psychiatrists, evidence shows that caffeine produces an increase in anxiety when given to psychiatric patients. This is because it stimulates the central nervous system, putting your body on high alert, something that can result in anxiety for some people. However, this is not limited to people with an existing mental health condition. Drinking large amounts of caffeine can produce feelings of anxiety in others as well. If you find this is true for you, cutting back on coffee, soda and tea can often provide relief.
Addiction
Caffeine is classified as a stimulant and over time, people can become addicted to it. According to Natural News, many people find that as time passes they need more and more caffeine to produce the same results. In addition, people who are addicted to caffeine will experience withdrawal symptoms when they don't have enough in their system. This can include fatigue and headaches and when they occur many will simply ingest more caffeine to eliminate the feelings. This results in a cycle that some may need counseling to break, just as with any drug. Most experts recommend slowly tapering off your caffeine intake to prevent or reduce symptoms of withdrawal. For some people the need for caffeine is purely psychological because they associate it with better performance and mental function, The Johns Hopkins Newsletter reports.
Sleep Disorders
According to The Royal College of Psychiatrists, caffeine induced sleep disorder shows up in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Many psychological professionals don't factor in caffeine intake when treating mental problems, but it can produce psychosis, anxiety and an increase in sleep problems when consumed in large amounts. Caffeine can result in insomnia for many people, and withdrawal symptoms can also produce sleeplessness. These conditions may be more prevalent in people who suffer or have suffered with previous mental conditions and sleep problems, but anyone who drinks too much caffeine may find that they have trouble sleeping.
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