Caffeine and Anxiety

Caffeine is actually a naturally occurring xanthine alkaloid that can stimulate the central nervous system. In fact, caffeine is nowadays considered as a psychoactive substance, due to its effects on the central nervous system and its ability to alter mood and alertness. Today, caffeinated beverages like, coffee and tea are largely consumed throughout the world, for which many consider that caffeine is perhaps the most widely used psychoactive drug. People basically drink caffeinated beverages to increase mental alertness and combat fatigue and drowsiness. However, recent studies have pointed out that excessive and prolonged use of caffeine can have several adverse effects on the body. Anxiety is one of the various possible side effects of caffeine.

Can Caffeine Induce Anxiety Attacks?

Anxiety is basically a condition or feeling, where an individual experiences nervousness and worry. Anxiety attacks are usually characterized by sudden and intense periods of nervousness, fear and apprehensions. Excessive intake of caffeine can increase the level of anxiety in some people, who do not have any anxiety disorders. But, it can induce anxiety or panic attacks in people with anxiety disorders.

In general, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by interfering with the brain chemicals. It basically suppresses the chemical, known as adenosine that acts as a tranquilizer by slowing down the activities of the nerve cells and inducing drowsiness. Caffeine blocks the action of adenosine, as it binds with the adenosine receptors. But unlike adenosine, caffeine increases the activities of the nerve cells. This is the reason why caffeine increases mental alertness. However, the same action can raise the level of anxiety and can cause some other caffeine side effects.

After consuming caffeinated beverages, many people experience an increase in heart rate to the extent that they can feel that their heart is pounding. At the same time, caffeine can induce nervousness, which too can increase the level of anxiety. Another important fact is that caffeine can stimulate the adrenal glands to release stress hormones. Over secretion of stress hormones over a period of time can cause several problems including, anxiety. Caffeine can also trigger the 'fight or flight' response of the body. Excessive use of caffeine and so, over stimulation of 'fight or flight' response can raise the level of anxiety. Usually caffeine can trigger anxiety attacks or panic attacks in people who already have high level of anxiety or anxiety disorders. In people who do not usually suffer from anxiety or anxiety disorders, caffeine can increase the level of anxiety, but usually does not trigger anxiety or panic attacks.

Dangers of Caffeine for Anxiety Sufferers

Caffeine can be more dangerous for people who are already suffering from high level of anxiety or anxiety disorders. Excessive intake of caffeine along with some other triggers can exacerbate anxiety and stress in such individuals, and increase the likelihood of experiencing anxiety or panic attacks. Caffeine can also cause insomnia, which can further aggravate the problem of anxiety and stress. However, caffeine is not the only factor that can trigger anxiety attacks. In fact, there are several other factors such as, a poor diet and lack of enough sleep, which can induce anxiety attacks in people with anxiety disorders. The effects of caffeine on the level of anxiety can depend on the existence of such factors as well. People predisposed to anxiety disorders can experience symptoms like, increased heart rate, nervousness, sweaty palms, tremulous, etc, after taking caffeine in excess amount.

It is important to keep in mind that the effects of caffeine are not the same for all individuals. Every individual responds differently to caffeine. Moreover, the amount of caffeine that can be tolerated without experiencing any adverse effect can vary from one individual to another. Therefore, it is important to take caffeine in moderation, and find out the amount of caffeine that can be taken without increasing the level of anxiety. People with anxiety disorders on the other hand, should better avoid caffeine or talk to their physicians about it. Along with limiting the use of caffeine, they should also try to control the other factors that can trigger anxiety attacks.