From the Guidelines
Coffee consumption can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, and individuals with anxiety disorders should limit their intake to 1-2 cups daily (100-200mg caffeine) or consider decaffeinated options. The caffeine content in coffee stimulates the central nervous system, triggering or amplifying feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and worry 1. Caffeine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and stimulates the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can mimic or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Key Considerations
- The effects of caffeine on anxiety are typically most pronounced within 30-60 minutes after consumption and can last 4-6 hours 1.
- Sensitivity to caffeine varies significantly between individuals based on metabolism, tolerance, and existing anxiety levels.
- Those experiencing anxiety should consider gradually reducing caffeine intake rather than stopping abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability.
- Alternative beverages like herbal teas, particularly chamomile or lavender, may provide calming effects instead.
Recommendations for Anxiety Management
- For severe anxiety, complete caffeine elimination might be beneficial while working with healthcare providers on comprehensive anxiety management strategies.
- The European Food Safety Authority advises that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to 200 mg/d 1, and similar caution should be applied to individuals with anxiety disorders.
- A systematic review found that high caffeine intakes (e.g., >5 mg · kg body weight–1 · d–1) were associated with an increased risk of anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in children 1, highlighting the need for careful consideration of caffeine intake across different demographics.
From the Research
Coffee Consumption and Anxiety Symptoms
- Coffee consumption can have both positive and negative effects on anxiety symptoms, depending on the individual and the amount consumed 2.
- Moderate caffeine intake, defined as less than 6 cups per day, has been associated with lower risk of depression and anxiety in some studies 2.
- However, high doses of caffeine can induce anxiety and panic attacks, particularly in individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders 2, 3, 4, 5.
Individual Sensitivity to Caffeine
- Some individuals, particularly those with panic disorder, may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and experience increased anxiety or panic attacks after consumption 3, 4, 5.
- A study found that patients with panic disorder were more likely to experience panic attacks after consuming caffeine, with 51.1% of patients experiencing a panic attack after caffeine challenge 3.
- Another study found that anxiety disorder patients had increased caffeine sensitivity, leading to decreased consumption 4.
Dose-Response Relationship
- The relationship between caffeine dose and anxiety symptoms is not fully understood, with some studies suggesting a dose-response relationship and others finding no significant association 6, 3.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that caffeine at doses roughly equivalent to 5 cups of coffee induced panic attacks in a large proportion of patients with panic disorder 3.
- However, the study noted that the restricted dose range used prevented assessment of dose-response relationships, and future studies should employ a wider range of caffeine doses 3.