Role of Excessive Caffeine in Triggering Bipolar Affective Disorder

Objective: To analyze the impact of excessive caffeine consumption, causing sleep disturbance and consequent triggering of the onset or relapse among patients with bipolar affective disorder. Study Design: Analytical cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of study: Armed Forces Institute of Mental Health (AFIMH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Nov 2021 to Apr 2022. Methodology: A total of 110 patients, aged 20-60 years and diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder, were evaluated for triggering effect on disease after excessive caffeine intake of at least 180mg/day, in the last 2 weeks, along with effect of other triggering factors with or without caffeine. All data was analysed using SPSS. Results: A total of 69% of patient’s disease was triggered due to excessive caffeine alone and combined with factors of stress and non-adherence. Based on scores using Athens insomnia rating scale, 99% of our patients fulfilled the criteria for sleep disturbance. Conclusion: Excessive caffeine use significantly impairs sleep and thus contribute to onset or relapse of symptoms in patients with bipolar affective disorder.