Energy drinks are caffeinated soft drinks that claim to boost performance and endurance. Consumption of these products has been associated with a number of very serious health complaints.

Considering the idea that energy drink use may cause behavioural problems and negatively impact on mental health and well-being, it is concerning to find that the products are often aggressively marketed at young people.

 

Children aged between 12 and 17 are among the fastest growing population of caffeine users, with 30–50% of adolescents and young adults being known to consume energy drinks.

 

PubMed and PsycINFO were searched for all peer-reviewed articles published that addressed associations between energy drink use and mental health outcomes. Fifty-six articles were retrieved, the majority of studies examined reported positive associations between energy drink consumption and symptoms of mental health problems.

 

More research is required, however these studies suggest that regular consumption of energy drinks is correlated with;

Anxiety, depression, restlessness, fidgetiness, irritability, difficulties concentrating, problems falling asleep & self harm behaviour.