Authors:
Trapp GS, Allen K, O'Sullivan TA, Robinson M, Jacoby P, Oddy WH
Authors notes:
Depression and Anxiety. 2013:online
Keywords:
Adolescent health, Anxiety, Caffeine, Depression, Energy drinks, Raine Study, Stimulants, Stress
Abstract:
Energy drinks are predominantly targeted to young adult consumers; however, there has been limited research into their effects on psychological functioning in this demographic group.
This study examined cross-sectional associations between energy drink consumption and mental health in a population-based sample of young adults participating in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study.
After adjusting for potential confounding factors and controlling for coexisting mental health problems, energy drink consumption (per 100 mL/day) was significantly associated with anxiety (but not depression or stress), and this relationship was found only in males.
Our study found that energy drink consumption was associated with increased anxiety in young adult males.
Further research into the possible contribution of energy drink use to the development of mental health problems in young adults is needed.