Caffeine Withdrawal & Fatigue

Caffeine is a popular stimulant drug. According to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, between 80 and 90 percent of adults and children in North America consume caffeine on a regular basis. However, 15 percent of the population has eliminated caffeine from their diet due to adverse health effects. Caffeine withdrawal itself has a list of negative symptoms. In addition to headaches, fatigue is at the top of that list.

Classification

Although caffeine withdrawal is classified as an official diagnosis in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) only recognizes it as a proposed diagnosis. Although the DSM-IV-TR states that it lacks sufficient information to warrant inclusion as an official diagnosis, the criteria for caffeine withdrawal are listed in Appendix B. It requires the presence of headaches along with one or more of the following after cessation of caffeine intake: fatigue, anxiety, depression or nausea.

Severity

The severity of fatigue experienced during withdrawal from caffeine depends on the method of withdrawal you undertake. Gradual decreases in caffeine intake over a period of time will typically be easier on you than quitting cold turkey. Also, the quantity of caffeine you consume each day plays a role. According to the DSM-IV-TR, symptoms of fatigue tend to be more prevalent if you consume a large amount of caffeine, such as 500mg per day. However, the DSM-IV-TR does state that you are at risk for caffeine withdrawal even if you only consume a small amount of caffeine per day, such as 100mg.

Significance

Many people consume caffeine to combat fatigue, increase their alertness and function at a higher level. However, caffeine withdrawal has the opposite effects. It worsens fatigue, decreases responsiveness and may significantly interfere with your ability to function. For example, you may cancel plans with friends because you are too tired or go to bed early. You may also make mistakes at work or be irritable around others.

Prevention/Solution

Ending your caffeine habit cold turkey precipitates the development of fatigue, headaches, irritability and other symptoms of withdrawal. According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms usually dissipate over a few days; however, if you discontinue your caffeine use gradually, it may prevent you from experiencing these adverse symptoms. The key to cutting back is awareness. You need to be aware of the caffeine in beverages, food and medications and make an effort to reduce the amount of these things that you consume each day. You may also consider switching to decaf coffee or caffeine-free teas or sodas.

Considerations

Although the DSM-V will not be released until May 2013, caffeine withdrawal is not expected to be listed as a disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-V Development website. However, in the October 2004 issue of "Pharmacology," Drs. Ronald Griffiths and Laura Juliano state that over 170 years of research suggests that caffeine withdrawal should be considered a psychiatric disorder. After studying 66 previous studies on the effects of caffeine withdrawal, these researchers found that symptoms are severe enough to impair daily functioning of approximately one in eight people and prevent about 13 percent of people from functioning at all.