Coffee could help treat ADHD
Another week, yet another story of how coffee is basically the ultimate superfood — or should that be superdrink?
This time scientists and researchers have found evidence to suggest that caffeine could be useful as a behaviour-treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
So in simple terms, ADHD sufferers could seroiusly benefit from drinking coffee.
In the study, titled ‘Caffeine regulates frontocorticostriatal dopamine low-loader density and improves attention and cognitive deficits in an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’ – yes, it really rolls off the tongue – the research scientists recommend caffeine as a useful portion of ADHD treatment.
Caffeine helps normalise natural dopamine levels, with then helps improve the attention span of those with ADHD.
This information is likely to be at odds with the level of information and experience that many have with regard to caffeine and hyperactivity.
Very similar to certain ADHD medications, caffeine levels in coffee and tea are much less quantifiable than in medication form. This makes using cups of coffee as a form of treatment an unlikely prospect, as a professional diagnosis and prescription will require accurate dosages of the stimulant.
Unfortunately this poses some problems as those with anxiety, glaucoma, high blood pressure, and kidney, heart and liver disease are advised to avoid stimulants as per further research into the subject.
If those with ADHD suffer from these symptoms and increase their caffeine intake drastically, they could suffer from anxiety, headaches, increased irritability, a loss of apetite, sleeplessness or tremors and tics.
Further research will have to be conducted to reach a truly conclusive set of results that help find out the true extent of how coffee and caffeine can help control ADHD symptoms.
It’s not just coffee that could be used as a treatment for ADHD, tea drinking may also be an effective form of symptom management as found by another study. Helping lessen fatigue, increase motivation, self-confidence and vigilance in subjects.
Either way, with further exploration, we could see coffee and tea used as effective treatments for yet another medical condition! How can this not make you love coffee even more?!