Caffeine does not lead to increased anxiety

Question

The GoodRx article states that caffeine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, especially in individuals with anxiety disorders, but moderate consumption generally does not lead to increased anxiety. It emphasizes that personal sensitivity to caffeine is crucial. 

The PMC article, through a meta-analysis, finds similar conclusions: while caffeine can worsen anxiety for some, it does not affect everyone adversely. The variability in individual responses underscores the importance of recognizing personal limits with caffeine intake. 

Both articles stress that the effects of caffeine and anxiety are not uniform, highlighting the need for individualized consideration. 

Comments

I disagree with your main claim on this. As someone who drinks caffeine on a regular basis in order to stay and feel more alive and active, I can say that I definitely feel more anxious after consuming too much caffeine. In addition, according to Medical News Today, "In the central nervous system, lower doses of caffeine can improve motor activity and alertness, while higher doses can produce symptoms of anxiety." This is a cause and affect situation, less caffeine equals less anxiety, and vice versa.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/anxiety-and-caffeine#does-caffeine-cause-anxiety

Answer 1

False.

Caffeine can and often does lead to increased symptoms of anxiety. According to the GoodRx article cited by the claim, the side effects of caffeine are nervousness/restlessness, headache, fast heartbeat, irritability, and shakiness, which are also the most common symptoms of anxiety disorders. While caffeine does not cause anxiety, the National Library of Medicine states that in people with generalized anxiety and panic disorders, consumption of caffeine increases the risk of having a panic attack by 51 percent. In Coffee in Health and Disease Prevention, excessive amounts of caffeine have an anxiogenic effect – an anxious response. Also, caffeine withdrawal or reliance may increase existing depression and anxiety disorders. The effects of caffeine can vary based on one’s genetics, mental and physical health status, and gender.

Comments

Although the claims that you make are true in that they are backed by reliable sources, you claimed that the previous article is false. However, the claims that you made about caffeine increasing anxiety in those who already have anxiety and increasing anxiety-like symptoms in those who do not have it is basically the same as what the original article had already claimed, even though you said it was false.

Answer 2

I would agree with this and there is similar evidence from a meta-analysis published in the NIH. "The results confirm that caffeine intake is associated with an elevated risk of anxiety in healthy individuals without psychiatric disorders, especially when the intake dose is greater than 400 mg."(Liu, Et al.) This meta-analysis does say that there is a link between heightened anxiety and caffeine consumption, especially when going over the 400mg threshold. With that being said a meta-analysis is the lowest form of scientific evidence so this should be taken with a grain of salt. Overall the GoodRx article isn't wrong, the headline should be clearer at what point caffeine affects anxiety.

Comments

This is a good reply! I like how you credited your source, but you could have made it more substantial by linking your sources and adding another piece of evidence that isn't a meta-analysis so we wouldn't be left with the "grain of salt" evidence.

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I think the article definitely oversimplifies a more complex answer. Your response was good in specifying other contributing factors such as intake amount. I'm wondering if the intake dose high enough to cause anxiety is lower in individuals without anxiety disorders or if it is generally similar?

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What is your source?

Answer 3

This article claims that caffeine can worsen anxiety symptoms. They cite a government website as their source, the "National Library of Medicine", which is a very reputable source. This source aptly shows the data to back up the statements the article makes. Overall I would say this is a fairly factual and trustworthy article.

Answer 4

The claim that this article makes seems to be true. It says that caffeine can increase anxiety symptoms in people with anxiety disorders. Multiple sources I've found corroborate this claim, research done by the National Library of Medicine shows that those with panic/anxiety disorders experience more anxiety from caffeine consumption than adults without anxiety disorders. An article by Healthline also supports this and says that there is an association with anxiety disorders and caffeine consumption, but moderate intake of caffeine is safe. 

The claim that the Goodrx article says about caffeine seems to be accurate. While there is a link to caffeine consumption and anxiety disorders, understanding your personal intake of caffeine and how it affects you is the most important part. Caffeine does not directly lead to anxiety. 

"There’s an association between caffeine consumption and anxiety including caffeine-induced anxiety disorder. Yet, for most people, moderate caffeine intake is safe and may have benefits." (Healthline)

https://www.healthline.com/health/caffeine-and-anxiety

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34871964/