Prevalence and Correlates of Caffeine Use Disorder Symptoms Among a United States Sample

Estimate the prevalence of daily caffeine consumption, caffeine use disorder, caffeine withdrawal and perceived harm in Iran: a cross-sectional study

One of the informal diagnoses in DSM-5 is Caffeine Use Disorder (CUD). CUD and high levels of caffeine consumption could impact mental health conditions. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CUD, caffeine consumption, caffeine-related harms, and related psychiatric symptoms in Iran. A cross-sectional survey with a convenience sample of 1228 adults were conducted in Iran. Caffeine consumption was assessed across 20 products in Iran. Caffeine Use Disorder Questionnaire (CUDQ), Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms Questionnaire (CWSQ), 14-item Caffeine-related Harm Screening (CHS), and Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-25) were used in the present study. We used SPSS (desktop version 26.0) to analyze the data using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and the least significant difference (LSD) post hoc test. The daily average caffeine consumption was 146.67 mg. The prevalence of CUD and caffeine withdrawal (C.W.) were estimated at 19.5% and 46.62%, respectively. Also, 12.9% of responders received CUD and C.W.s simultaneously. The prevalence of CUD was higher in men than females (25.08% vs. 13.93%). 95% of participants (n = 1166) reported using at least one caffeine product yesterday. Moreover, the most reported caffeine-related harms were the desire for sugar (42.9%), insomnia (39.3%), and caffeine dependence (38.3%). Age significantly correlates with CUD (- 0.07) and daily caffeine intake (0.08). Moreover, all SCL-90 subscales had a significant correlation with daily caffeine intake. Finally, responders at younger ages reported higher levels of CUD and caffeine consumption than older adults(P < 0.05). High rates of C.W. and CUD in the Iranian population suggest that it is necessary to develop evidence-based treatments.

The caffeine dilemma: unraveling the intricate relationship between caffeine use disorder, caffeine withdrawal symptoms and mental well-being in adults

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the relationship between caffeine use disorder (CUD), caffeine withdrawal symptoms and the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS) in adults.

DESIGN

The study utilised a cross-sectional design to assess the relationships between CUD, caffeine withdrawal symptoms and DASS.

SETTING

Participants' CUD was evaluated through the Caffeine Use Disorder Questionnaire (CUDQ), while the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) measured DASS levels. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms and total caffeine intake were calculated based on self-reported consumption of caffeine-rich products.

PARTICIPANTS

The study involved 618 participants with an average age of 27·8 (sd 7·8) years.

RESULTS

Participants consumed an average of 461·21 (sd 11·09) mg/d of caffeine, showing a positive correlation between CUD and total caffeine intake. The risk of CUD increased alongside levels of DASS. Individuals with caffeine withdrawal symptoms had higher CUDQ and DASS scores. A multiple linear regression model revealed significant associations between total caffeine intake (P < 0·001) and DASS-21 score (P < 0·001) with CUDQ score.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concluded that caffeine, while recognised for its potential health benefits, also exhibits properties that may lead to addiction. The development of caffeine use disorder and cessation of caffeine intake can increase DASS levels in adults, indicating the need for awareness and appropriate interventions in public health nutrition.

Purinergic signaling in cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

About 10 million new cases of dementia develop worldwide each year, of which up to 70% are attributable to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to the widely known symptoms of memory loss and cognitive impairment, AD patients frequently develop non-cognitive symptoms, referred to as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs). Sleep disorders are often associated with AD, but mood alterations, notably depression and apathy, comprise the most frequent class of BPSDs. BPSDs negatively affect the lives of AD patients and their caregivers, and have a significant impact on public health systems and the economy. Because treatments currently available for AD are not disease-modifying and mainly aim to ameliorate some of the cognitive symptoms, elucidating the mechanisms underlying mood alterations and other BPSDs in AD may reveal novel avenues for progress in AD therapy. Purinergic signaling is implicated in the pathophysiology of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as AD, depression and sleep disorders. Here, we review recent findings indicating that purinergic receptors, mainly the A₁, A_2A, and P2X7 subtypes, are associated with the development/progression of AD. Current evidence suggests that targeting purinergic signaling may represent a promising therapeutic approach in AD and related conditions. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Purinergic Signaling: 50 years".

A Brewed Awakening: Neuropsychiatric Effects of Caffeine in Older Adults

This article provides a current review of the literature examining caffeine use in older adults. Caffeine use is prevalent among older adults; thus, providers need to be aware of the prevalence and diagnostic criteria of caffeine use disorder versus nonproblematic use. The relationship between caffeine and various neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, insomnia, and late-life depression, is reviewed. The neurobiological effects of caffeine are described, along with clinically relevant interactions between caffeine and common psychotropic medications.

Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Well-Being, Exercise Routines, and the Intake of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Comparison Across Sport Disciplines

Introduction: Physical distancing under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on lifestyles, including exercise routines. In this study, we examined the relationship between mental health and addictive behaviors, such as excessive exercise and the use of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) across 12 sport disciplines. Materials and methods: A large cross-sectional sample of the adult population (N = 2,295) was surveyed. The mean age was 33.09 (SD = 11.40). The number of male participants was 668 (30.0%). The use of IPEDs was assessed in conjunction with psychometric measures such as the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) and the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI). The participants were grouped into activity group (AG) and non-activity group (NAG) according to the presence or absence of their exercise habits. The results were compared between these groups, as well as across sport disciplines, while taking into account the relationship between different psychological measures and IPEDs consumption. Results: The frequency of IPEDs use was higher among AG (34.6%) than NAG (14.6%), although AG participants reported less history of addictions (7.1%) than NAG (11.8%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that scores equal to or above cutoff points, in both the EAI and AAI, predicted the IPEDs use. Regarding the differences across the various sport disciplines, those who were involved in practicing Weight Lifting and Cross Fit were found to be more at risk of excessive exercising and more inclined to use a wide range of IPEDs. Conclusions: Although exercise could help to increase well-being and prevent addictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, our results show that those in the AG are particularly vulnerable to excessive IPEDs use. Sport disciplines associated with higher EAI and AAI scores have also shown a higher tendency to excessive IPEDs use. Furthermore, the factor of having above the cutoff scores in EAI or AAI in each sport could indicate larger IPEDs consumption regardless of the discipline. In light of the current findings, it is necessary to better define the "non-excessive" levels of exercise in various sport disciplines and an adequate intake of IPEDs to ensure the safety and well-being of people during a pandemic.

Patterns of Caffeine Use and Validation of Assessment in Psychiatric Population: An Implication in Primary Care Setting

Background:

Caffeine use and abuse is a concern among treatment seekers for psychological problems. This aspect has not been documented an Indian context as well as its relevance in primary care setting. The aim of the present study was to explore and compare the caffeine intake and prevalence in Indian psychiatric patients and healthy subjects.

Materials and Methods:

Caffeine analysis in urine samples was carried out using a gold technique, gas chromatograph and mass selective detectors. This analytical technique is highly sensitive for identification of unambiguous compound. Two hundred and forty-three subjects having psychiatric disorders, along with forty-two healthy subjects were included in the study. They were assessed by using structured interview for caffeine use and screened for substance dependence as well.

Results:

One hundred twenty-eight subjects had history of substance use along with other comorbid psychiatric problems The mean of caffeine values was 1459 ± 1140 ng/mL, Whereas 42 subjects in control group (male 26, female 16) in the age group of 21–60 years had the mean caffeine levels of 1023 ± 788.8 ng/mL. The Caffeine use was significantly higher (P ≥ 0.84) in the subjects with psychiatric problems in comparison to the healthy subjects.

Conclusions:

It implies the need to enable and sensitize the primary care physicians in screening and educating treatment seekers with psychiatric morbidities for the management of caffeine use.

Estimates of Caffeine Use Disorder, Caffeine Withdrawal, Harm and Help-seeking in New Zealand: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Caffeine Use Disorder (CUD) is not yet formally recognized in the DSM-5, but emerging evidence suggests CUD could impact up to one in five people. The primary aim of this study was to estimate levels of caffeine consumption and its associations with CUD and withdrawal, taking socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, income) into account. Secondary aims were to measure caffeine-related harm and treatment preferences.

METHODS

We administered an online cross-sectional survey via Facebook to a convenience sample of 2379 adults in New Zealand. Caffeine consumption was assessed across six products: coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola, alcohol mixed with caffeine, and other products (e.g., caffeine pills, sports supplements).

RESULTS

20% of participants met proposed criteria for CUD, with 30% meeting DSM-5 criteria for caffeine withdrawal. Moderate (200-400 mg per day) and high consumption (>400 mg per day) was associated with a three-fold increase in the odds of CUD and a two-fold increase in the odds of withdrawal. Women and current smokers were at higher risk of CUD and withdrawal even at moderate consumption levels. Nearly 85% of respondents experienced at least one caffeine-related harm in the past 12-months. The number of harms increased with level of caffeine consumption. Nearly 50% indicated a self-help treatment for caffeine reduction would be of interest.

CONCLUSIONS

High rates of CUD and caffeine withdrawal amongst moderate caffeine users, women and smokers suggests caffeine consumption guidelines may need refinement. Caffeine-related harm that is not clinically meaningful may still be of concern to individuals and warrants further investigation.

Mechanisms for the reduction of caffeine consumption: What, how and why

BACKGROUND

Anecdotal evidence suggests consumers of caffeine self-administer strategies to reduce consumption, but little is known of what these strategies are or how they are implemented. This study aimed to understand the lived experience of reducing caffeine consumption including specific techniques (what) and implementation strategies (how), harm and withdrawal symptoms (why).

METHODS

We developed a classification system through an inductive and deductive approach and applied it to a large dataset derived from online sources.

RESULTS

A total of 112 internet sources were identified, containing 2,682 different strategies. The classification system identified 22 categories of Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT): 10 categories were directly aligned with a BCT, one was split into two categories (substance and behavioural substitution), six represented a cluster of BCT's (e.g., withdrawal management and maintaining momentum) and four appeared to uniquely represent a consumer perspective (e.g., realisation of a problem). The most common techniques were substance substitution, seek knowledge and information, avoidance of caffeine and identify prompts for change. The most frequently perceived benefit was the stimulating effects of caffeine and a feeling of mental alertness. The most frequently cited harms were sleep problems including insomnia and concerns about dependence (or addiction) to caffeine. We found 16 categories of withdrawal symptoms. The most frequently endorsed symptom was headaches, followed by fatigue, exhaustion and low energy.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumers use a wide range of techniques when attempting to reduce caffeine consumption. Treatment approaches are focused on fading, but the current study found consumers most frequently focus on substance and behavioural substitution.