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The Effects of Caffeine

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Disorder Case Studies 2
Nichole L. Smith
Grand Canyon University
PCN-529
March 27, 2015
Disorder Case Studies 2
Caffeine is a popular central nervous stimulant currently found in over sixty plants. There are approximately 90% of individuals who use caffeine regularly in their day to day lives. Caffeine has been added to several items to include food, drinks and even medications to either relieve drowsiness or enhance the effect of pain killers. If not careful with the intake of this stimulant it can cause side effects that may result in serious short or long term complications. Because it targets the central nervous system, the effects may be seen in as little as 15 minutes and should be limited by those who suffer from certain medical conditions or pregnant women as it can result in low birth rate and even miscarriage. Individuals who ingest caffeine regularly and suddenly stop often suffer from caffeine withdrawals within 12-24 hours which leads to symptom such as irritability, temporary depression, and headaches (Mandal,2014).
Caffeine Consumption: How much is too much?
Caffeine is found in our most favorable consumables to include chocolate, colas, and coffee; these three very rich substances also account for the daily caffeine intake. According to the BBC, an individual should not exceed more than 400mg. of caffeine per day. Since caffeine is a chemical produced from various plants, it was originally designed to kill insects and bugs that tried to eat them which in-turn stimulate a humans central nervous system, respiration, and heart rate. Caffeine can affect the brain by binding to adenosine receptors which naturally slows down cell activity. As caffeine is excessively consume, it can cause adrenaline (epinephrine) to be released causing the heart beat to beat faster than normal, elevated blood pressure and a release of sugar from the liver into the bloodstream leading to extra energy. While caffeine can be dangerous to humans, it should never be given to animals as it can be lethal (Carshin-Garbutt, 2012).

Caffeine in Children and Adolescents
In studies conducted over the past decade, an increase in caffeine has been extensively used as the only legal psychoactive substance for children and adolescents. As a result of investigations conducted on adolescents between the ages of 15-16, the relationship of caffeine use reported conduct disorders and violent behaviors in those exhibiting symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In addition, caffeine use among girls showed a significant increase of those violent and conduct behaviors. In order to come up with more conclusive data, further studies would need to be conducted concerning adolescents’ consumption of caffeine and adverse conclusions (Kristajansson, Sigfusdottir, Frost, & James, 2013).
Advertising Caffeine for College students
There has been much scrutiny against several Universities in Ireland over an advertising campaign of caffeine pills geared toward college students. The campaign slogans paint insensible and less than desirable picture of exhausted students getting ready to take final exams. The manufacturer of the pill has also criticized the advertising agency’s contractors for its blatant mishandling of the product. A student health director complained about the long term effects of using caffeine tablets, but students were more concerned with getting in extra study time than worrying about possible side effects (Miller, 2003).

Caffeine in more ways than one
Caffeine is used for much more than just as a quick pick me up, with well over a billion cups being consumed around the world daily, it has now been associated with perfumes and skin care products. Beauty has long been associated with looking and feeling good, but now it has a supplementary partner in the caffeine industry. Popular beauty products have taken on some of coffees most prevalent fragrances to attract caffeine lovers. Caffeine has for a long time been associated with speeding up the metabolic rate which in turn break down fat and calcified deposits; in Japanese culture the caffeine in coffee grounds are used as a means of reducing wrinkles, improving skin texture, and increasing circulation to specific areas to encourage toxins to move out of the body more quickly (Damachi, 2004).

Caffeine Overdose
Caffeine has long been the go to drug of choice to give many just enough to keep going, but just like anything that appear too good to be true there are potential side effects that can sometimes become fatal if not careful. Many individuals are aware that caffeine is a natural substance that comes from a plant, however, it can also be created synthetically, in addition to being a CNS stimulant, and it can also be used as a diuretic. (MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia). Overdosing on caffeine is a simple as taking more than the recommended amount. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly warns against the use of pure powdered caffeine due to risk of accidental overdose (Reactions Weekly, 2014).
References
Ateh, D. (n.d). Caffeine Fixes. Sunday Times, The.
Caffeine overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2015, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002579.htm
Cashin-Garbutt, A. (2012, May 10). Caffeine consumption: How much is too much? Retrieved March 12, 2015, from http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120510/Caffeine-consumption-How-much-is-too-much.aspx
FDA warning: danger of overdosing on pure caffeine. (2014). Reactions Weekly, 1512(1), 2. doi:10.1007/s40278-014-2239-x
Kristjansson, A. L., Sigfusdottir, I. D., Frost, S. S., & James, J. E. (2013). Adolescent Caffeine Consumption and Self-Reported Violence and Conduct Disorder. Journal Of Youth And Adolescence, 42(7), 1053-1062.
Mandal, A. (2010, February 28). What is Caffeine? Retrieved March 2015, from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Caffeine.aspx
Scott, M. (n.d). Universities halt caffeine pill campaign aimed at students. Sunday Times, The.

1. Brief history 2. Current trends or issues 3. Societal concerns or issues related to the topic 4. Significance or relevance of topic to the counseling profession 5. Any future implications

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