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Caffeine is known to be the most popular and commonly used drug across the globe. As a matter of fact, more than 80% of the American population consumes caffeine daily. But is everybody fine with consuming caffeine? The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more than 30% of adults in the United States will have anxiety disorders. Is caffeine-related to or does it potentially cause anxiety?
Anxiety And Caffeine
There is apparently a connection between one’s mental health and caffeine consumption. This is confirmed by the DSM-5 or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which the American Psychiatric Association and healthcare professionals utilize as a guide for diagnosing mental disorders. The DSM-5 has listed four caffeine-related conditions, including caffeine withdrawal, unspecified caffeine-related disorder, caffeine intoxication, and other caffeine-produced conditions such as sleep and anxiety disorders.
A study from a few years back revealed how caffeine heightened alertness by inhibiting adenosine, a brain chemical that causes you to feel fatigued while triggering the surge of adrenaline, which is a chemical that increases one’s energy. If caffeine’s level in the body is too much, these effects become stronger, leading to caffeine-produced anxiety.
There has been proof of mental benefits to consuming caffeine. Still, too much of it has also been shown to provoke anxiety symptoms, and individuals who experience social anxiety and panic disorder are particularly sensitive.

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Tips For Managing Anxiety Related To Caffeine Consumption
- Be mindful of your caffeine intake: Always take not of how much coffee or any caffeinated drinks you are consuming and when. Try to limit your caffeine intake to no more than 400mg per day, which is equivalent to about four cups of coffee. Also, try to avoid drinking caffeine later in the day or in the evening, as this can interfere with your sleep.
- Consider switching to decaf: If you enjoy the taste of coffee or tea but find that the caffeine makes you anxious, consider switching to decaf. This can help you still enjoy your favorite beverages without the negative effects of caffeine.
- Experiment with different sources of caffeine: Not all sources of caffeine affect everyone the same way. Some people may find that they are more sensitive to the caffeine in coffee, but are able to tolerate tea or soda. Experiment with different sources of caffeine to see which ones work best for you.
- Practice relaxation techniques: If you find that you are feeling anxious after consuming caffeine, try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
- Seek professional help: If you are struggling with anxiety related to caffeine consumption, consider seeking professional help. A mental health professional can help you identify triggers and develop coping strategies to manage your anxiety.
- Drink plenty of water: Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can dehydrate you. Dehydration can worsen anxiety symptoms, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help support overall health and reduce anxiety symptoms. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, and alcohol can also help.
- Exercise every day: Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety symptoms by releasing feel-good endorphins and reducing stress hormones. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling.
- Consider caffeine alternatives: If you find that caffeine exacerbates your anxiety symptoms, consider switching to caffeine alternatives such as herbal tea, decaf coffee, or caffeine-free soda. Some herbal teas, such as chamomile or lavender, may even have calming effects.
- Practice good sleep hygiene: In addition to getting enough restful sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can help improve the quality of your sleep. This includes establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding electronics before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your ability to cope with stress. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine.
- Identify and avoid triggers: Pay attention to when and where you tend to feel anxious after consuming caffeine. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Consider reducing overall caffeine intake: If you find that caffeine exacerbates your anxiety symptoms, consider reducing your overall caffeine intake. Gradually reducing your intake over time can help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Seek support: It can be helpful to talk to a friend, family member, or mental health professional about your anxiety related to caffeine consumption. Having a support system can help you feel less alone and more motivated to make positive changes.
Below are frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers about how caffeine and anxiety are associated.
Can caffeine reduce anxiety?
The caffeine in coffee can apparently help you concentrate and be more efficient, which leads to a reduction of your anxious feelings. When people are overwhelmed, they frequently get worried and anxious. This anxiety could result in decreased productivity in your day-to-day activities, like work or school performance.
Is caffeine bad for anxiety and depression?
Depression and anxiety most often occur side by side, and caffeine worsens anxiety. Quitting suddenly has been shown to worsen depression. If you are a regular drinker of caffeinated products, stopping can lead to a depressed mood until your body can adjust. This could also cause other indications and symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and headaches.
Can caffeine cause panic attacks?
If you consume more than your usual caffeine dose in a day, it can potentially result in jitters. In individuals who are prone to experiencing anxiety, caffeine can produce a complex set of sensations, such as pounding heart, cold sweats, and a ringing sensation in the ears. All of these may lead to a full-blown panic attack.
How long does caffeine anxiety last?
The effects of caffeine anxiety can appear within 45 to 60 minutes and can persist for as long as 4 to 6 hours, although these are seldom dangerous. However, the effects are different from person to person because it will depend on their sensitivity, tolerance, and caffeine dose that they are used to consuming.
What can I drink instead of coffee for anxiety?
These are equally tasty alternatives that you can drink instead of coffee:
- Matcha tea
- Lemon water
- Chicory coffee
- Yerba Mate
- Chai tea
- Apple cider vinegar
Is decaf better for anxiety?
Consuming decaffeinated coffee means decreased anxiety and enhanced sleep, which are essential for improving mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
How can I calm my anxiety?
You can try these simple suggestions to help calm your anxiety:
- Spend quality time with family, friends, and yourself.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
- Get a sufficient amount of sleep daily.
- Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol.
- Practice meditation and deep breathing.
- Be physically active regularly.
How long does anxiety take to heal?
Treatment success differs, although most individuals with anxiety disorders could be managed with professional mental healthcare. The benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically seen between 12 and 16 weeks. Prescription medications also have short-term and long-term options and will depend on the severity of the individual’s anxiety and other diseases that he may have.
Can anxiety go away with time?
The first form of anxiety disappears by itself, but the second one might not. Most individuals with anxiety disorders never completely get rid of their anxiety. Still, they can definitely learn how to manage their emotions and tremendously decrease their anxiety by going through therapy and taking medications when necessary.
Is anxiety all in your head?
This statement is true in a way, as anxiety begins in the head. Everyone experiences some form of anxiety at some point in his or her life. It is the brain’s way of preparing us to confront danger, escape it, or deal with a stressful event.
Can anxiety be cured completely?
Anxiety cannot be fully cured because a person’s propensity to anxiety is part of their genetic structure. This is something that no single treatment can modify or alter. This is the reason why anxiety cannot be completely cured.
What helps anxiety naturally?
Here are simple things that you can try to help you naturally get rid of your anxiety:
- Be physically active. Exercise is great for your mental health.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid drinking too much caffeine and alcohol.
- Get sufficient amounts of sleep daily.
- Maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- Practicing deep breathing and meditation.
Can I beat anxiety without medication?
Anxiety is a monster, but it is possible to overcome your struggle without taking medications. Sometimes, getting rid of tension and worry is merely a matter of changing your thoughts, behaviors, and your lifestyle. You can begin a medication-free approach and then talk with a mental health professional if your anxiety symptoms have worsened or have not improved.
What vitamins help with anxiety?
Some of the most common vitamins and supplements that could help relieve stress and anxiety include vitamin B, Glycine, L-theanine, and Ashwagandha.
What deficiency causes anxiety?
Some experts suggest that being vitamin-D deficient can also lead you to experience anxiety. In a study done in 2015, individuals with reported anxiety or depression symptoms showed decreased levels of calcidiol, which is a derivative of vitamin D.

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Conclusion
There is a connection between anxiety and caffeine consumption, and this includes caffeine-induced anxiety. However, for most individuals, consuming caffeine moderately is quite safe and may even benefit them.
On the other hand, eliminating or instantly decreasing the amount of caffeine from your diet could result in withdrawal, which can also trigger anxiety.
If you think that your anxiety has aggravated because you consumed caffeine, or if it’s making you feel more nervous or anxious, contact your doctor about it and discuss how to consume caffeine appropriately.