The authors explored the relationship between ad lib caffeine
consumption in college students and the incidence of caffeinism,
characterized by heightened anxiety, depression, and various
psychophysiological reactions. Students were randomly selected from four
groups (abstainers from caffeine and low, moderate, and high consumers). A
survey battery assessed the effects of caffeine, incidence of
psychophysiological disorders, state-trait anxiety, and depression. The
moderate and high consumer groups combined reported significantly higher
trait anxiety and depression scores when compared with abstainers. The high
consumer group also reported significantly higher levels of symptoms of
caffeinism, higher frequency of psychophysiological disorders, and lower
academic performance.Abstract Teaser