Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) as a condition based on inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity that is evidenced in more than one environment. Furthermore, the DSM goes on to qualify that the level of impulsivity and hyperactivity must be so great that it impairs the ability to function. Given the severity of ADHD, there has been much research and discussion about how to treat the disorder. In addition to traditional medications, the use of caffeine is being studied to see if it may help this condition.
Traditional Treatments
Though behavioral methods can be used to treat ADHD, they are most often used in conjunction with medications. Psychologist Vincent Monastra, in his book, "Parenting Children with ADHD," explains that at it's core, ADHD is an inherited medical condition that involves neurological functioning. The disorder is due to underarousal in the areas of the brain responsible for executive functions such as regulation of behavior and moods. As such, medications that treat ADHD tend to be stimulants that attempt to bring these executive systems back up to speed. Since caffeine is a stimulant, much research is being conducted on the substance as a suitable treatment for ADHD.
Animal Models
Researchers at the University of Trindade in Brazil conducted studies on a specific kind of rat that is called "spontaneously hypertensive" (SHR). SHRs are frequently used as an experimental model for the study of attention ADHD because they respond to stimuli like individuals with ADHD. In the study, the scientists administered preset levels of caffeine to young rats that had not yet reached puberty. They then engaged the rats in a series of memory and cognitive tests. Results suggest that caffeine treatment in the prepuberty phase of life for the ADHD rats led to improved learning and memory.
Human Models
Though formal testing using caffeine as a treatment for ADHD in childhood with humans has yet to be thoroughly conducted, researchers in China looked at the impact of tea drinking in adults with ADHD. They hypothesized that, since tea is a kind of stimulant containing caffeine, that adults who ingest it may experience reduction in fatigue, and increases in self-confidence, motivation, alertness, vigilance, efficiency, concentration and cognitive performance. Though their research is largely correlational and survey based, the team's findings did suggest that tea may be a suitable treatment for ADHD.
Warnings with Caffeine Use
Despite some hopeful outcomes, research still remains mixed on the role that caffeine can play in the treatment of ADHD. Doctors in Amsterdam noted concerns about using substances such as caffeine as medication because they believe it leads to other types of "self-medication." In a small study conducted there, doctors found that patients who had been drinking copious amounts of caffeine, and some cases using other drugs like cocaine as well, reported significant "mental chaos." However, once the patients were treated with approved stimulant medications, they reported an overall decrease in symptoms. These studies reveal that while caffeine is an interesting idea in the treatment of ADHD, more thorough research should be conducted. Discuss caffeine with your doctor prior to use.
References
- "Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons that Medicine Cannot Teach;" Vincent Monastra, Ph.D.; 2005.
- "Chronic caffeine treatment during prepubertal period confers long-term cognitive benefits in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);" Pires, et al; Behavioral Brain Research; 2010.
- "Tea consumption maybe an effective active treatment for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);" Liu, et al. Medication Hypotheses; 2011.
- "Caffeine, cannabis and cocaine: from automedication to 'automutilation' in adults with ADHD;" Pereira, et al; 2004.
