Attention Deficit Disorder, commonly called ADD, is an older term for what is now formally known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but ADHD is the correct name. ADHD is treated with substances that stimulate the brain. Since coffee contains caffeine, a naturally occurring stimulant, some people wonder if coffee is an effective treatment for ADHD.
About ADHD
According to MedlinePlus, ADHD affects about 3 to 5 percent of school-aged children and is the most commonly diagnosed childhood behavioral disorder. Children with ADHD have problems with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsiveness or a combination of these. While any child may display these behaviors occasionally, they must be out of the normal range for a child's age and development to be diagnosed as ADHD. Although the cause is unknown, imaging studies do show that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of other children.
ADHD Medications
Medications used in the treatment of ADHD are mostly a class of drugs known as psycho-stimulants, which actually have a calming effect in children with ADHD. These medications include Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin, Concerta and one non-stimulant called Strattera. Caffeine, a stimulant that occurs naturally in coffee, has also been studied to see if it has an effect on ADHD. The website Psych Central states that anecdotal information suggests people with ADHD use caffeine from coffee, tea or cola to self-medicate their condition.
Caffeine and ADHD
Dr. Douglas Cowan, a psychologist and family therapist, has developed a diet for ADHD that includes caffeine. He states that 100 mg of caffeine is equivalent to 5 mg of Ritalin, the lowest therapeutic dose of a stimulant medication and the most common starting point for children. The caffeine begins to work within 45 minutes and wears off after about three to four hours. An 8 oz. cup of coffee, says Cowan, contains about 135 mg of caffeine.
Considerations and Warnings
The caffeine found in coffee is a drug and, like all drugs, can have side effects. Drinking too much coffee can lead to anxiety, stomach upset or problems with sleep. Drinking coffee regularly can also make it less effective as the body becomes used to its effects. In addition, other therapies for ADHD may be necessary, such as behavior management. Discuss the management of ADHD with a health-care professional.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children; February 2011
- MedlinePlus; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); David Zieve, M.D., M.H.A. and Fred K. Berger, M.D.; April 2011
- The ADHD Information Library; ADHD and Caffeine?; Douglas Cowan, Ph.D.; July 2007
- Psych Central; Caffeine's Effect on ADHD Symptoms; Jane Collingwood; April 2010
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