What characterizes panic disorder is perpetual, intense fear that something bad will happen. You may also live in fear of panic attacks, which involve sudden influxes of peaked anxiety. Panic attacks also cause physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, shaking, chills, dizziness and breathing difficulty. Panic attacks are unpredictable, according to the National Institute of Health. However, stressful situations and behaviors, such as consuming caffeine, may increase your symptoms.
Relationship
Depending on your sensitivity to caffeine and the severity of your disorder, caffeine may trigger or exacerbate panic disorder symptoms and increase your likelihood of experiencing attacks. If you are soon to experience an attack, for example, caffeine may trigger or increase the intensity of your symptoms. Consuming caffeine in excess of 200 to 300 mcg daily can also cause anxiety symptoms even if you do not have panic disorder, according to the American Dietetic Association.
Evidence
Research has shown that caffeine may trigger panic attacks in some people with panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. In a study published in "Psychiatry Research" in September 2009, researchers analyzed the effects of 480 mg of caffeine in 28 people with panic disorder and 54 people with social anxiety disorders. Participants consumed a caffeinated beverage and a caffeine-free placebo beverage on two separate occasions. Caffeine induced panic attacks in 17 participants with panic disorder and 14 participants with social anxiety disorders. Participants also demonstrated more anxiety symptoms after consuming caffeine compared to voluntary participants without anxiety conditions. Thus, panic disorder may increase your sensitivity to caffeine.
Sources
Caffeine occurs naturally in plants, such as coffee beans. It is also added to a variety of foods, beverages, dietary supplements and medications for stimulatory effects. Richest sources of caffeine include energy drinks and coffee, which typically provide between 75 and 160 mg per 8-oz. serving. One oz. of espresso also provides about 75 mg. The official Food and Drug Administration, FDA, limit for caffeine content in pepper and cola soft drinks is 71 mg. Brewed teas provide between 40 and 120 mg per cup. Supplements designed to boost wakefulness or energy and various pain-relieving medications also contain caffeine. Chocolate and decaffeinated coffee provide modest amounts of caffeine. Stimulatory herbs in beverages, protein bars and supplements such as ginseng, guarana and green tea extract affect the body like caffeine.
Suggestions
For reduced anxiety disorder symptoms, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating healthy meals and snacks throughout the day for optimum wellness and blood sugar balance, which can help prevent mood swings associated with low blood sugar. Safe alternatives to caffeinated beverages include caffeine-free herbal teas, water and low-fat cow's, soy or rice milk. Emphasize nutritious foods like fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains, which provide more nutrients and have a lesser impact on your blood sugar than refined foods like white bread and sugary sweets. If you currently consume caffeine regularly, gradually reduce your intake to prevent such withdrawal symptoms as headaches and irritability.
References
- MedlinePlus: Panic Disorder
- American Dietetic Association: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?
- "Psychiatry Research"; Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder Subtypes in a Caffeine Challenge Test; Antonio E. Nardi, et al.; September 2009
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Caffeine Content of Food and Drugs
- "University of Maryland Medical Center"; Anxiety; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; December 2009
