From frozen coffee drinks and teas to sodas and energy drinks, caffeine is ubiquitous in teen culture — and its effects are poorly understood.Conflicting and paltry research on caffeine and ADHD leaves many parents with mixed messages and unclear recommendations.
For example, a 2013 study1 suggesting that caffeine may normalize dopamine and attention levels in people with ADHD, was essentially rendered obsolete by a 2024 study2 published in the journal Public Health that associated energy drink consumption with an elevated risk for physical and mental health conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among children and adolescents.This study also tied energy drink consumption to increased ADHD inattention, conduct disorder, and depressive and panic symptoms.
It showed startling rates of suicidal ideation and attempts among those who drank more than one energy drink a day compared to non-drinkers.Caffeine is not the only reason these drinks may pose concerns for those with ADHD.
A recent meta-analysis3 found that sugary beverage consumption was associated with a 25% increase in ADHD symptoms.[Get This Free Download: A Parent’s Guide to ADHD Medications]And still other research has suggested that consuming caffeine with another stimulant can be dangerous, exacerbating side effects like heart rate and blood pressure elevation.
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