Self-Medication of ADHD Symptoms: Does Caffeine Have a Role?

ObjectiveStimulants are the most effective treatment for Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, studies have shown that nicotine dependence in patients with ADHD is probably best explained by self-medication. The question is whether this is also true for caffeine use and caffeine dependence. The aim of our study was, therefore, to examine the relationship of ADHD symptoms, caffeine consumption, caffeine use disorder (CUD) and well-being. We hypothesized that those who have more ADHD symptoms and regularly consume caffeine have higher psychological well-being than those who have more ADHD symptoms, but do not consume caffeine. MethodsA general population sample (N = 2,259, 70.5% male, mean age 34.0) filled out the 10-item Caffeine Use Disorder Questionnaire (CUDQ), the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale (ASRS) and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and were asked about their caffeine consumption habits in an online survey. ResultsThere were no associations between ADHD and coffee, tea, energy drink or cola consumption or daily caffeine consumption. However, the results of the path analysis showed that the level of ADHD symptoms was positively associated with the level of CUD (beta = 0.350) and negatively with the WHO-5 (beta = -0.259). ConclusionsCaffeine consumption was not associated with ADHD symptom severity and thus not likely to represent self-medication. On the contrary, caffeine use disorder severity is associated with more ADHD symptoms and both caffeine use disorder and ADHD are associated with lower well-being.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine the relationship between ADHD symptoms, caffeine consumption, caffeine use disorder (CUD), and well-being. The results showed no associations between ADHD symptoms and coffee, tea, energy drink, or cola consumption or daily caffeine consumption. However, path analysis revealed a positive association between ADHD symptoms and CUD severity, as well as a negative association between ADHD symptoms and well-being.