Energy Drinks Linked to ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression In Kids, Young Adults

A new research review shows the harmful mental and physical health effects of energy drink consumption among young people.

• A new research review adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the harmful health effects of energy drink consumption, particularly among people 21 and under.
• Young people who consume energy drinks may experience sleep disturbances and have an increased risk of ADHD, anxiety, and mood changes, and in severe cases, heart complications.
• Health experts recommend avoiding energy drinks due to the negative side effects.

• Healthier beverage options include water, and if kids are drinking caffeine, it should be in low amounts.
Energy drinks have exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly among teens. Over 30%Trusted Source of teens ages 12–۱۷ consume these beverages on a regular basis.
However, there are many potentially dangerous side effects of excessive energy drink use.

In a new systematic review, researchers examined 57 studies about the effects of energy drinks on children and young people up to the age of 21. They looked at data from January 2016–July 2022.
The results, published on January 15, show that male teens consume more energy drinks than females. Researchers also discovered a link between energy drink consumption and harmful behaviors like smoking, alcohol and drug use.

Additional effects of energy drink consumption in both male and female teens included:

• short sleep duration
• poor sleep quality
• low academic performance
• greater risk of suicide
• psychological distress
• ADHD symptoms
• depression
• panic and anxiety disorders

Mental and physical health effects of energy drinks

Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine in amounts that far exceed daily recommended doses for adults. They are often marketed toward young people.
Energy drink consumption can affect the mental and physical health of young people, particularly when consumed in excess.
Some experts say teens may turn to energy drinks as a coping mechanism.

Some teens may consume energy drinks for performance enhancement on tests while others may engage out of social acceptance, Scott explained.
Erika Chiappini, PhD, a child and adolescent psychologist with the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, said that energy drinks lead to sleep disruption, which can impact mood and cognitive functioning.
“Because energy drinks have high amounts of caffeine, they can negatively impact sleep,” she said. “Youth drinking energy drinks may have greater difficulty falling asleep and experience poorer sleep quality overall, especially when taken in the afternoon [or] evening.”

“Poorer sleep quality and getting an inadequate amount of sleep is associated with poorer emotion regulation ability and difficulty with attention, anxiety, and mood symptoms, which can lead to lower academic performance and difficulty in friendships and at home,” Chiappini explained.

What are the symptoms of too many energy drinks?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source lists many potential side effects of energy drink consumption. Here are a few to look out for:

• dehydration (not enough water in your body)
• heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure)
• anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery)
• insomnia (unable to sleep)

Takeaway

A new research review shows the negative health consequences of energy drink consumption among the children and teens.
Energy drinks can disrupt poor sleep quality, negatively impact mood, and lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
In severe cases, excess energy drink consumption could also cause heart complications.
Health experts recommend avoiding energy drinks entirely. They have no nutritional value.