Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an inability to focus, hyperactivity or a combination of both. This disorder can cause significant impairment in a person's ability to focus at school, work and even at home. Getting proper treatment for the disorder can improve an ADHD-sufferer's quality of life. Typical ADHD medications, however, can cause unpleasant side effects, such as decreased appetite, sleep problems, tics or even personality changes. Those who experience negative reactions to ADHD medications may want to talk to their doctor about the possibility of treating ADHD symptoms with caffeine.
About Caffeine
Like most ADHD medications, caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant drug. All stimulant drugs speed up the function of the central nervous system. While most people experience increased energy when consuming stimulant medications, those with ADHD may experience the opposite effect. Stimulant medications tend to relax and calm those with ADHD. Although caffeine is not as potent as other stimulant drugs, large doses of caffeine may affect a person in the same way as a small dose of a stimulant medication would. While amounts up to 300 mg of caffeine a day are typically harmless, exceeding 600 mg a day may cause insomnia, stomach upset, headaches, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, heart palpitations and tremors.
Advantages
Caffeine is widely available and does not require a prescription. It comes in a variety of flavored beverages and is quite inexpensive. Because of this, long-term treatment compliance may be greater when using caffeine than when using typical ADHD medications, suggests a 2011 study published in "Med Hypotheses." Although large amounts of caffeine may cause unpleasant side effects, the possible side effects of typical ADHD medications tend to be more severe.
Disadvantages
Caffeine is generally not as effective as typical ADHD medications. While it may improve mental focus and spatial learning deficits in those with ADHD, it typically does not improve it as well as amphetamines or methylphenidate, according to Dr. Monroe A. Gross of the ADD Medical Treatment Center of Santa Clara Valley. The effects of caffeine are generally short-lasting, with the effects of the drug typically fading after only three to four hours. ADHD medications, however, may be available in an extended-release formula, so the effects of an ADHD medication may last until the next dose is taken. It is also possible to become physically addicted to caffeine if you consume large quantities at regular intervals over long periods of time. You may experience severe headaches and fatigue when you stop ingesting caffeine.
Considerations
Using caffeine to treat ADHD is controversial, especially when it comes to treating children. Research is still ongoing as to the safety and effectiveness of using caffeine to treat this disorder in place of the traditional disorder. Do not attempt to treat ADHD with caffeine without getting approval from your doctor. In addition, it is not wise to use caffeine in conjunction with a prescription ADHD medication, which may increase the likelihood of experiencing the negative side effects of both stimulants.
References
- Caffeine: "Herbal" Treatment of ADD/ADHD
- Psych Central: Caffeine's Effect on ADHD Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
- International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology: Caffeine Improves Spatial Learning Deficits
- Med Hypotheses: Tea Consumption May be an Effective Active Treatment for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
