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Caffeine is so often and so legally used that we usually do not think of it in connection with drug abuse. However, Caffeine Intoxication (CI), like Alcohol Intoxication, is one of the mental disorders listed in DSM-IV. As for any diagnosis, this disorder must cause clinically significant distress or dysfunction. One criterion for this diagnosis is recent consumption of caffeine, usually at least of the amount present in two or three cups of coffee. DSM-IV lists 12 separate symptoms that signal CI, but we will summarize by saying that the person must appear over-activated. Caffeine may also induce sleep disorders, a fact of which almost everyone is aware, or anxiety disorder. There is only weak evidence that caffeine withdrawal can produce a diagnosable disorder. Thus the prescription at present for caffeine-induced disorders is to reduce caffeine intake. A site that pokes good-natured fun at 12-step programs, including those for caffeine additions, is available if you click here. Last updated 12/19/03 |
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