More than 5.4 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ADHD causes an array of troubling symptoms that make it challenging to concentrate on daily tasks. Caffeine might negatively affect a child who is hypersensitive or prone to hyperactivity.
ADHD
ADHD often is first diagnosed in school-age children because the symptoms surface as children are developing mental and interpersonal skills in the classroom. Most cases of ADHD start off as behavior problems in the classroom. Signs include failing grades, misbehavior in the classroom, depression, violent outbursts and inability to concentrate. Your child also might be late, very disorganized, forgetful, distracted or overwhelmed by simple tasks. Before a child is medicated with an ADHD medication or antidepressant, stimulants can make ADHD symptoms worse or more out of control.
Caffeine
While caffeine can cause hyperactivity and over sensitize some children, it also can be used as a concentration tool. Children diagnosed with ADD or attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity might benefit from caffeine usage because it has been linked to higher concentration and productivity levels. MayoClinic.org explains that caffeine stimulates the nervous system and improves focus levels. It is important to realize that if your child is taking a stimulant for ADD, caffeine can be dangerous and cause potential dangerous side effects.
Side Effects
Side effects of caffeine combined with stimulants can include hyperactivity, an increase in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. If your child is sensitive to caffeine, he might experience a rapid or irregular pulse. Other symptoms include nausea, irritability, restlessness, nervousness and inability to concentrate. He also might experience muscle tremors or twitches. High amounts of caffeine are more than 300 mg per day. This can cause sleep problems with your child, such as insomnia, along with an energy crash several hours later.
Treatment
Treating ADHD with hyperactivity should not include caffeine unless directed by your doctor. If your child's case if ADHD is severe, your doctor might prescribe a nonstimulant medication for treatment. This might include atomoxetine, which helps boost levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain linked to ADHD. In place of a stimulant or caffeine, an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication might be used to help relax thinking and allow her to slow down and concentrate on the task at hand. Some types of blood pressure medications might be used for treatment. These medications, including guanfacine and clonidine, help reduce hyperactivity and aggression, notes Helpguide.org.
