Myomancy ADHD, Dyslexia and Autism

Caffeine and ADHD: Update

We have looked at Caffeine as a treatment for ADHD before and the science indicated that it could have some benefits. As a footnote to this Wired has a report that regular small doses of caffeine are more effective than one single large dose.

Throughout the day, your noodle fills up with adenosine, a chemical thought to cause mental fatigue. Caffeine blocks the brain’s adenosine receptors, countering the chemical’s dulling effects. To maximize alertness and minimize jitters, keep those receptors covered with frequent small doses — like a mug of low-caf tea or half a cup of joe — rather than a onetime blast. Test subjects reported that periodic small shots made them feel clearheaded and calm, both of which enhance mental performance. Even better, add a lump of sugar or have a carbohydrate-rich snack at the same time for an extra cognitive kick. It seems that glucose and caffeine together do more to enhance cognition than either does alone.

Source: Caffeinate With Care: Small Shots Do a Brain Better Than Big Blasts. Note no reference to the research is given so please take this data with a large pinch of salt.

Find Out More:

Books:

April 23rd, 2008
ADD / ADHD, ADD / ADHD Medication, ADD / ADHD Treatment

Comments on: Caffeine and ADHD: Update

  1. This is interesting…my daughter (who is 11.5) has ADHD and I stopped given her the Adderall over a year ago. She is struggling in school with severely failing grades and behavior problems all stemming from her inability to stay focused on one thing for more than a minute. The school counselor asked me if I allowed her to have caffeine…I’ve always thought you shouldn’t give a kid caffeine. I’m allowing her a half can of mountain dew in the morning now (or coffee if she wants) with her breakfast before school. She’s already told me that it helps her at school. Time will tell if her grades begin to pick up or not.

    Posted by: Jennifer November 13th, 2008 at 1:16 am

  2. Can you provide me with an update on your daughter and the use of caffeine to treat her ADHD? My son was recently diagnosed and we are interested in info regarding treating with caffeine as opposed to prescription meds.

    Thanks.

    Posted by: Rhnee April 6th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

  3. My son has been diagnosed with ADHD recently but is not on medicine. He is his 16 years old and he started drinking coffee during the summer. I gave him a cup of coffee this morning before he went to school and he tells me he is so focused. It lasted all day for him. He’s been trying to tell me for the longest but now I am starting to believe it since he is in school and there is such a major difference. I would love to find out if there are more parents who have similar results with their kids who have mild ADHD. This is incredible.

    Posted by: Alysixx September 16th, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Leave a Reply

*Required