Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, affects 3 to 5 percent of school-age children, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. More often diagnosed in boys than girls, ADHD may be treated with stimulant prescription medications such as Ritalin or Adderall. Caffeine, the stimulant found in coffee, tea and some sodas, is another potential treatment.
What is ADHD?
A diagnosis of ADHD requires completion of standardized parent and teacher questionnaires, psychological testing and physical examination by a health-care professional. Symptoms usually include inattentiveness, impulsive behavior and over-activity. All of these symptoms must be excessive compared to a normal child of the same age and developmental status. According to the National Institute of Medicine, children with ADHD have differences in their brains visible with imaging studies, and they handle neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and adrenaline differently from their peers. Most children diagnosed with ADHD have other behavioral problems or psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. Because children with ADHD experience difficulties in school and may also have problems with relationships, undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can have a lifelong impact on the ability to learn, relate to others or hold a job. People with ADHD are also at risk for alcohol and drug abuse.
Caffeine and ADHD Treatment
Some researchers, such as Marjorie Roth Leon, Ph.D., of National-Louis University, are looking at caffeine as a possible treatment for ADHD. Leon reviewed a number of studies that investigated the use of caffeine for ADHD. While caffeine did not have the same effect as more traditional treatments, it did improve hyperactivity and function. Quoted in the June 2001 issue of "Monitor on Psychology," Leon stated that caffeine has the potential to decrease aggression and impulsiveness and to improve behavior. She cautioned, however, that while caffeine is better than no treatment at all, it is not as effective as established treatment modalities.
More Research on Caffeine and ADHD
D.R. Lara, writing in the 2010 issue of the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease," conducted an extensive review of the literature on caffeine's relationship to mental health disorders. Lara reported that moderate caffeine intake, defined as fewer than 6 cups of coffee a day, has links to less depressive symptoms, fewer cognitive failures and a lower risk of suicide. Caffeine improves alertness, mental performance and memory, but does not affect resistance to distraction, one of the primary symptoms of ADHD. Lara cautioned that more research is necessary to determine caffeine's therapeutic effects on depression and ADHD.
Considerations and Warnings
While caffeine may have potential in helping children and adults with ADHD, at this point there are no recommendations for actual treatment, and caffeine side effects, such as insomnia, can make ADHD symptoms worse. If you or your child have been diagnosed with or have symptoms of ADHD, talk to a health-care professional about treatment.
References
- PubMed Health; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); February 2010
- American Psychological Association; A Sip Into Dangerous Territory; Eileen O'Connor; June 2001
- "The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Objectively Measured Hyperactivity--II. Caffeine and Amphetamine Effects; M.D. Schechter and G.D. Timmons; May 1985
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease"; Caffeine, Mental Health, and Psychiatric Disorders; D. R. Lara; 2010
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Facts for Families; Children Who Can't Pay Attention/Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; May 2008
