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Caffeine and depression: Is there a link?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine-and-depression/AN01700
- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin, board certified in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, is a St. Louis native looking to the Internet as a way to help people improve their health and be more active participants in their own health care by learning from Mayo Clinic's experts.
Dr. Hall-Flavin served on the faculties of Cornell University Medical College, New York Medical College and The George Washington University Medical School before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 1996. He has special interests in adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine. He served as medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence from 1986 to 1999, and is currently involved in translational medicine research involving the introduction of pharmacogenetic technology into the daily practice of community psychiatry.
"With the advent of pharmacogenetics and related fields and the advances in translational medicine, informed collaborative relationships between knowledgeable, capable health professionals and informed, proactive individuals and their families are more vital than ever," he said.
"I'm optimistic that our Internet health education activities will contribute to ever-improving health outcomes for all who participate and apply what is learned."
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Question
Caffeine and depression: Is there a link?
Does caffeine make depression worse?
Answer
from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
There's no clear link between caffeine intake and depression. However, caffeine intake and depression may be linked indirectly for people who are particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine or who have too much caffeine.
- Caffeine can cause sleep problems that affect mood. Caffeine can make it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Lack of sleep can worsen depression. If you have trouble sleeping, don't drink caffeinated beverages late in the day. Some people need to limit caffeine they have to only the morning, or quit drinking caffeinated beverages altogether to avoid sleep problems.
- Stopping abruptly can worsen depression. If you regularly drink caffeinated beverages, quitting can cause depression until your body adjusts. It can also cause other signs and symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue and irritability.
If you have depression, consider limiting or avoiding caffeine to see if it helps improve your mood. To lessen these withdrawal effects, gradually reduce the amount of caffeinated beverages you drink.
Next questionMarijuana and depression: What's the link?
- Lara DR. Caffeine, mental health, and psychiatric disorders. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2010;20(suppl):S239.
- Caffeine withdrawal. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed July 8, 2011.
- Smith A. Effects of caffeine on human behavior. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2002;40:1243.
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