Caffeine as an ADHD Treatment
Using Caffeine to treat ADHD! You’re kidding, right? Actually, we're not kidding at all!
You
can scour the message boards and
forums all over
the Internet and find hundreds of people who claim they dumped their
ADHD
medication and replaced it with a good ole’ cup of Joe. Yes, it
sounds
crazy, but here is why it could make sense.
Caffeine is a stimulant. ADHD
Medications
that contain methylphenidate and amphetamines are also stimulants. The
claim is
that they all work in the same way by increasing dopamine levels and
blocking
the reuptake of key neurotransmitters in the brain like noreprinephine.
Coffee is also known to reduce blood flow in the
brain.
This is
similar to the effect of ADHD medications like Ritalin.
Many claim coffee makes it easier for them to rapidly process information and pay attention. And because stimulants have an opposite effect on people with ADHD, instead of making them hyper and nervous, it actually calms them down.
Some with ADHD will even go so far as to say that drinking
several cups
of
coffee before bedtime really helps them to fall asleep.
For those who don’t like the taste of coffee, many ADHD sufferers are turning to pills like Vivarin and energy drinks such as Red Bull to help them stay focused. Some teenagers are self-medicating by drinking large quantities of soft drinks like Mountain Dew, which contains 55mgs of caffeine per bottle/can. The claim is that 100mgs of caffeine has the same effect as 5mgs of Ritalin but with fewer side effects.
A Word of Caution
While coffee consumption is usually safe for healthy adults,
treating
children with ADHD in this manner is highly controversial and possibly
ineffective.
A study done by the Department
of Psychology at the
And here is what one pediatrician has to say about this form
of treatment
for ADHD, especially for children with the disorder:
“Some studies suggest that high doses of caffeine combined with methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, others) may be more effective in treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than methylphenidate alone. Like methylphenidate, caffeine is a stimulant. However, too much caffeine also can cause insomnia, nervousness, irritability and increased heart rate. Because of their smaller body size, children are even more susceptible to these effects than adults are. For these reasons, most pediatricians discourage caffeine consumption in children. Caffeine is not recommended as a treatment for ADHD in children.” -- Source: Mayo Clinic pediatrician Jay Hoecker, M.D.
Regardless of what the medical community says about children
and coffee,
some parents are giving children as young as four-years old a cup each
day to
help them with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. But before
you
consider this form of treatment for ADHD, it is advised that you first
speak to
your doctor and get a physical exam. Coffee can affect one’s heart
rate, blood
pressure and exacerbate conditions like anxiety and respiratory
disorders. And
like many drugs, caffeine is highly addictive, so be careful.
Disclaimer: The above information is not provided by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding your medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this website.
