Because caffeine is a stimulant, it activates the central nervous system, and it does not help with anxiety. Instead, in excess or in individuals with anxiety, caffeine consumption can lead to raised blood pressure, heightened heart rate, panic attacks, feeling jittery, increased anxiety levels, or worsened symptoms of anxiety. For the average individual, caffeine use is not detrimental in moderation, and can help combat drowsiness and fatigue, enhancing dopamine receptors in the brain.
Even in someone who does not regularly experience anxiety, the side effects of caffeine can include jitters, shakiness, heart palpitations, and increased anxiety levels. If you or a loved one are regularly experiencing symptoms of anxiety, or if you have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, it’s recommended to monitor your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine may make it harder to walk through an anxiety disorder or panic disorder on a day to day basis.
If you’re interested in learning more about anxiety treatment with AMFM Mental Health Treatment, click here, or continue reading to learn more about how caffeine affects anxiety.
When an individual with anxiety drinks too many caffeinated beverages, they are likely to increase the severity of their anxiety symptoms, and may increase the likelihood of a panic attack.
There have been quite a few studies on the effects of coffee or caffeine on individuals diagnosed with panic disorders or anxiety disorders. One study found that at doses roughly equivalent to 5 cups of coffee induces panic attacks in a large proportion of panic disorder patients and highly discriminates this population from healthy adults.1 This study also found that caffeine also increases anxiety in panic disorder patients as well as among healthy adults at these doses although the exact relationship between caffeine-induced anxiety and panic attacks remains uncertain.2
In a randomized, double-blind, single-dose crossover study, researchers reviewed the effect of 250 mg of caffeine and 500 mg of caffeine on performance. The lower dose of caffeine actually enhanced performance on the digit symbol substitution test and a tapping speed test compared to placebo; high-dose caffeine produced less performance enhancement than the lower dose.3 This kind of study indicates that at a certain point, the effects of caffeine become counterproductive.
Caffeine, like other psychoactive and stimulant substances, can also induce abuse and dependence, and can be dangerous for adolescents who are still developing cognitively.4
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
Surprisingly, decaffeinated is not the same as caffeine-free. In the cases of naturally caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee, decaffeinated coffee and decaf teas may still contain trace amounts of caffeine. For example, decaf coffee typically has 2 to 15 milligrams in an 8-fluid-ounce cup.
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Whether or not you are experiencing caffeine-induced anxiety, anxiety symptoms can be deeply uncomfortable, and it makes sense to need relaxation techniques in the moment. If you’re looking for mental health treatment to help with anxiety management, don’t hesitate to reach out today.
There are a variety of breathing techniques and deep breathing exercises that are helpful when your anxiety symptoms feel overwhelming or out of control. One simple deep breathing exercise is to use a count to five as you breathe in, hold it for four counts, then release it for five counts, and repeat until you begin to feel yourself relax.
Physical stimulation can help you to jump start your body out of the fight-or-flight physical response of anxiety. Taking a cold shower, splashing your face with cold water, tasting sour candy, going for a run (and other types of physical activity) are all ways to trick your body into remembering that it is in a safe place.
Wellness activities like yoga, journaling, making playlists, art therapy and more can help build the mind-body connection through a more holistic healing process.
"*" indicates required fields
By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.
I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
In a mental health treatment center, the day-to-day may vary depending upon your diagnoses and personalized treatment plan, but it will often consist of some combination of individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, psychiatry services, and more. AMFM Mental Health Treatment combines holistic and evidence-based mental health services in order to help each person overcome their particular obstacles and mental health conditions for greater overall well-being.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers family therapy through virtual family support groups that provide a dedicated time for families to engage in supportive and constructive interactions, fostering stronger relationships, and enhancing the overall treatment experience. Recovery takes a village, and it’s often helpful for family members to be involved in behavioral growth.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health conditions–through evidence-based therapies, support groups, mental health resources and more–including but not limited to the following:
Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide treatment options and mental health benefits to help you or your loved one as you move forward.
Lisa Klevebrant, Andreas Frick, Effects of caffeine on anxiety and panic attacks in patients with panic disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis, General Hospital Psychiatry, Volume 74, 2022, Pages 22-31, ISSN 0163-8343, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.11.005. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163834321001614)
Kaplan, G. B., Greenblatt, D. J., Ehrenberg, B. L., Goddard, J. E., Cotreau, M. M., Harmatz, J. S., & Shader, R. I. (1997). Dose‐dependent pharmacokinetics and psychomotor effects of caffeine in humans. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 37(8), 693–703. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1552-4604.1997.tb04356.x
Cappelletti S, Piacentino D, Sani G, Aromatario M. Caffeine: cognitive and physical performance enhancer or psychoactive drug? Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015 Jan;13(1):71-88. doi: 10.2174/1570159X13666141210215655. Erratum in: Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(4):554. Daria, Piacentino [corrected to Piacentino, Daria]. PMID: 26074744; PMCID: PMC4462044.
Evans J, Richards JR, Battisti AS. Caffeine. [Updated 2024 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/
Commissioner, O. of the. (2024, August 28). Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
Smith, Sara. “BHP Blog – Behavioral Health Partners (BHP).” BHP Blog – Behavioral Health Partners (BHP) – University of Rochester Medical Center, 10 April 2018, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety. Accessed 9 April 2025.
“Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.
“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.
“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.
MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.
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