Does caffeine help with ADHD?

Caffeine is a common part of many people’s daily routines in the form of drinks such as coffee and tea. As caffeine is a stimulant, some people believe it may be able to help with ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and difficulty focusing.

However, while caffeine may help with some symptoms of ADHD, it can also worsen others and lead to side effects, such as increased impulsivity.

It’s important to understand both the benefits and risks of consuming caffeine if you have ADHD, especially if you are taking it alongside other treatments, such as ADHD medication.

Can caffeine affect ADHD symptoms?

In the United States, around 5.3 million children have a diagnosis of ADHD, a condition that also persists into adulthood. About 4.4% of adults in the United States have ADHD.  

Those with ADHD may experience difficulty focusing, as well as other symptoms, such as:

• being easily distracted
• being unable to complete tasks
• interrupting conversations
• having changes in mood
• experiencing difficulty thinking clearly

Caffeine is a stimulant that can help people focus and concentrate by stimulating the central nervous system. It can also help promote focus and alertness by blocking the effects of adenosine, a molecule that regulates your sleep cycle.

By interfering in the action of adenosine, caffeine increases your alertness and ability to focus and concentrate throughout the day. It can also raise your dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in cognition and focus. 

Benefits of caffeine for ADHD

Due to its stimulant properties, caffeine may help improve some ADHD symptoms. 

A 2022 research review on the effects of caffeine on ADHD in animals found the following effects:

• increased attention
• improved learning
• improved memory

However, it was noted that despite the improvements in ADHD symptoms, caffeine remains a controversial treatment option for the condition. It should be considered only as a supportive option alongside mainstream treatment options of ADHD, such as therapy.

A 2019 study found that caffeine combined with L-theanine, an amino acid found in green and black tea, helped improve attention and cognitive performance in children with ADHD. The study noted, however, that caffeine alone increased impulsivity among study participants.

A 2020 study found that soldiers with ADHD who consumed caffeine in the form of energy drinks, for example, had improved symptoms of impulsivity and cognition.

However, experts note that more research is needed on the effects of caffeine in people with ADHD. 

Risks factors of caffeine for ADHD

People with ADHD who are already taking medication to treat the condition may experience adverse effects if they add caffeine into their routine. 

As a stimulant, caffeine can increase or cause side effects, such as: 

• irritability
• restlessness
• anxiety
• elevated heart rate
• insomnia 
• increased urination
• agitation

Treatment for ADHD

Treatment for ADHD includes therapy, medication, and lifestyle strategies.

Healthcare professionals may prescribe medication along with lifestyle changes and therapy to help relieve symptoms of ADHD and improve your concentration. Medications to treat ADHD are classified as stimulants and nonstimulants.

Stimulants include medications, such as:

• amphetamine (Adderall)
• protriptyline (Vivactil)
• methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Nonstimulant medications include:

• atomoxetine (Strattera)
• clonidine (Kapvay)
• guanfacine (Intuniv)

A doctor may also recommend therapy to treat your ADHD symptoms, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy.

There are several lifestyle strategies that you can use alongside other treatments to help you manage symptoms of ADHD. This includes:

• getting enough sleep
• exercising 
• eating a balanced diet

If you need help covering the cost of medications, Optum Perks’ free Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

Summary

Caffeine is a widely available stimulant that can help with some symptoms of ADHD, such as improving attention, learning, and memory.

While there is some evidence of the positive effects of caffeine in people with ADHD, researchers note that more studies need to be done to understand its effectiveness.

However, researchers agree that caffeine is not an effective mainline treatment for ADHD symptoms.

Treatment options for ADHD include:

• stimulant medications, such as amphetamine (Adderall)
• nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera)
• therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• lifestyle measures, such as getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet

You may want to talk with a mental health professional about your ADHD symptoms, and how caffeine consumption can help or worsen your experience.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.