Coffee and caffeine intake in relation to symptoms of psychological disorders among adults

Abstract

Objective: Given that there is an inconsistency in the findings related to the relationship between coffee and caffeine consumption and symptoms of psychological disorders, we performed a cross-sectional analysis to examine the association between coffee and caffeine intake and symptoms of psychological disorders among adults. Design: In this cross-sectional study, 3362 participants were included. We assessed the coffee and caffeine intakes using a self-completed FFQ. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and General Health Questionnaire screening tools. Setting: Fifty different healthcare centres located in the province of Isfahan, Iran. Participants: This study was performed on 3362 Iranian general adults working in healthcare centres. Results: The mean age of participants in this study was 36 center dot 2 +/- 7 center dot 8 years. After controlling for potential confounders, individuals who consumed coffee weekly or more had a significantly lower odds of symptoms of depression (OR 0 center dot 67; 95 CI (0 center dot 46, 0 center dot 96)) and symptoms of anxiety (OR 0 center dot 57; 95 CI (0 center dot 34, 0 center dot 95)) compared with those who did not consume coffee. However, no significant association was found between coffee intake and symptoms of psychological distress (OR 0 center dot 98; 95 CI (0 center dot 68, 1 center dot 42)). No significant relationship was found between caffeine intake and odds of symptoms of depression (OR 0 center dot 94; 95 CI (0 center dot 75, 1 center dot 16)), symptoms of anxiety (OR 0 center dot 90; 95 CI (0 center dot 67, 1 center dot 20)) and symptoms of psychological distress (OR 1 center dot 13; 95 CI (0 center dot 89, 1 center dot 42)). Conclusion: Compared with lack of coffee intake, weekly or more coffee consumption might be correlated with symptoms of depression and anxiety.