Caffeine-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Caffeine-induced anxiety disorder occurs when ingestion of caffeine precipitates marked anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks. Etiology involves excessive CNS stimulation and individual sensitivity to caffeine’s pharmacologic effects. Clinically, patients present with restlessness, tachycardia, tremors, and difficulty concentrating following caffeine intake. Diagnosis requires temporal correlation with caffeine consumption and exclusion of primary anxiety disorders. Management focuses on caffeine reduction or cessation, education, and supportive behavioral strategies. Prognosis is generally favorable, with rapid improvement upon cessation.