Caffeine Intake and Mental Health in College Students

Abstract

Background The effect of caffeine on the human body, both short-term and long-term, has been studied in great depth, particularly its association with psychiatric disorders. This study aims to investigate whether there is a correlation between caffeine intake and anxiety and depression among college students. Methodology A survey was administered to college students at Florida State University. Data regarding participant characteristics and caffeine intake were collected. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores were used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. Results A total of 114 participants were included in the survey, consisting mainly of women (94 [82.5%]) and junior-level students (37 [32.5%]). The main source of caffeine was coffee (64.0%), and the main reasons for caffeine intake were pleasure (43.9%) and to study outside of class (29.8%); however, no association was found between sex or grade point average and number of cups of caffeine consumed. Upper levels of education (super senior or fifth-year students), depressive symptoms (poor appetite, overeating, sleep disorders, depressed mood), and anxiety were statistically associated with greater caffeine intake ( P < 0.05). Conclusions As caffeine is commonly consumed and our study showed that its intake was associated with depressive symptoms and higher levels of anxiety in college students, further studies are needed to determine a possible causality, so that measures may be taken to educate these students about alternative methods for increasing energy and alertness.

Effect of classroom-based physical activity on teaching quality of systemic lupus erythematosus for medical undergraduates

“…Coffee seems to be a traditional “refreshing” method, and an earlier study shows that 79% of college students use caffeine to feel awake. 6 A study of student populations at the University of Florida linked caffeine consumption to depression and higher levels of anxiety among college students. However, the cause-effect relationship has not been undefined; another study of adults in Australia showed that coffee leads to a risk of sleep disorders.…”

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

“…Caffeine is regularly consumed in many societies and is used to provide alertness and reduce drowsiness ( 26 , 45 ) . However, caffeine can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur when caffeine intake is stopped.…”

Caffeine as a Factor Influencing the Functioning of the Human Body—Friend or Foe?

“…Kendler et al [ 94 ] analyzed data from the Virginia Twin Registry of about 3600 adult twins and reported that the risk of developing anxiety increased after consumption of >6 cups of caffeinated coffee per day. Additionally, Bertasi et al [ 95 ], in their study among 114 college students, showed that high caffeine intake is associated with higher levels of anxiety. Botella et al [ 4 ] examined 3323 students (11–17 years old) and showed that the effect of caffeine on anxiety is significant mainly in boys—the anxiety increased with increased dose of caffeine intake.…”