Effects of Coffee and Caffeine on Mood and Mood Disorders

Caffeine is one of the world’s most frequently consumed psychoactive substances. Caffeine is widely recognized for its impact on alertness and its potential to disrupt sleep patterns. It functions as an adenosine receptor antagonist, influencing various neurotransmitters indirectly. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), lists four disorders directly related to caffeine intake that, aside from caffeine intoxication and withdrawal, recognize caffeine’s ability to interfere with sleep and impact the level of anxiety. On the other hand, research indicates a positive impact of caffeine on neurocognitive function, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Caffeine has been observed to enhance certain aspects of depressive disorders, such as symptoms related to amotivation. Additionally, it is commonly employed during electroconvulsive therapy to reduce seizure threshold. However, it is essential to note that caffeine usage may lower lithium levels, potentially triggering a shift to manic or hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder. Further investigation and randomized controlled trials are imperative to fully comprehend the intricate connection between caffeine and its neuropsychopharmacologic effects.