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Caffeine As a Treatment for Depression

Using caffeine to treat depression is generally not recommended. Even though the short-term effects may relieve symptoms, long-term use can cause anxiety, irritability and even lead to a more severe depression.

  1. Identification

    • Caffeine is a stimulant found in many popular drinks such as coffee and soda. In the United States, 85 percent of people drink 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day. Caffeine is often used to compensate for low energy levels due to poor sleep or diet.

    Short-Term Effects

    • Caffeine is known to increase the heart rate, blood pressure and general alertness. Most people report higher levels of energy and productivity when using caffeine.

    Long-Term Effects

    • Caffeine use over a long period of time can lead to the development of heart disease. It also affects stress hormones, which can ultimately lead to anxiety, irritability, indigestion and a weakening of the immune system.

    Depression Treatment

    • Depression is caused by an imbalance in certain chemicals in the brain and is generally treated with prescribed medication alongside psychotherapy. Caffeine is not recommended for patients with depression as it can increase anxiety, restlessness and stress levels.

    Expert Insight

    • Best-selling author and former university instructor in Clinical Nutrition Stephen Cherniske made the following analogy to describe the effects of caffeine: "Imagine you lived in a country that was always under threat of attack. No matter where you went, there was a perpetual state of alert. Not only that, but your defenses were constantly being depleted and weakened. Does that sound stressful? Caffeine produces the same effect on your body, like fighting a war on multiple fronts at the same time."

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