Caffeine and Anxiety

Caffeine is such a common item of the diet that we tend to forget that excessive intake can have harmful effects and also lead to powerful addiction to the drug. Caffeine consumption has been implicated in the development or increase in severity of anxiety attacks, panic disorders, and insomnia. Those with these psychological symptoms would be wise to limit the amount of caffeine consumed as the effects are often dose related.

John Minton demonstrated an association with fibrocystic breast disease many years ago. Excessive caffeine is well documented to lead to withdrawal headaches which can last for five days after discontinuing the drug. Caffeine has also been implicated in gastroesophageal reflex disease and irregular heartbeat.

With a coffee shop on every corner I realize this is not going to be popular advice, but in just the last week I have talked to two people with anxiety and panic disorders and one with severe headaches. All were strongly addicted to caffeine.