I have read drinking caffeine beverages makes OCD worse. Has anyone stopped drinking caffeine and noticed that their OCD thoughts were lessened or their anxiety reduced?
yep. indeed it does... at least for me... i havent had a drop of caffeine in 5 months... had to quit... i would get anxiety which led to obsessive behavior...
of course after my recent breakup i have taken up smoking again, which is a stimulant as well, so its best to avoid whatever you can...
Yes - I just stopped drinking coffee this week - I was such a caffine addict - 3 or 4 cups a day and at night, I would get 'extreme' coffee from the little coffee shop downstairs at the place I work. I am still drinking diet cokes, though. But sometimes, when I would have coffee, my anxiety would get so bad I would feel like I was going to faint. I also smoke, which doesnt help me, other than when I am smoking I really dont ruminate.
Caffeine definately made my OCD, anxiety, and ADD worse...I work at a cafe for a weekend/summer job and used to have AT LEAST 6 cups by noon (along with Red Bull and Monster energy drinks ) Not a good idea, I'd feel like I was having a never-ending anxiety attack, and the "crash" afterwards was awful. When I started taking Adderall for ADD, I cut out caffeine cold turkey.Now I have the occasional energy drink or soda, but nothing like before. It's made a big difference in how I feel and act.
Chloestewie - The first couple of days/week of stopping drinking caffiene are soooo hard! Excedrin migrane works well for the headaches (probably because it has caffeine in it, lol) You might even feel more shaky or anxious, but those feelings will go away Good luck with it, I hope everything works out well for you. Post again to let us know how you're doing!
Well I just had to reply because I'm a complete caffiene addict. I've never been diagnosed with OCD per se, but I have a minor in Psych and I'm pretty sure I'm borderline. I just wonder if there is a relationship between being attracted to stimulants and obsessive behavior. I drink about 6 or 7 cups of coffee a day. I also compulsively pick at my skin and have anxiety issues. Maybe I should lay off the coffee!
I am a guy have had OCD checking as a child but did not realize it until a couple of months ago. I have always craved caffeine. so there could be a relationship. I am down to 2-3 cups a day in the morning, and I know I have to cut that out to see if my OCD lessens.
I use caffeine to desensitize myself to anxiety.... the goal.... raise my anxiety really unormally high,.... get used to it, so that when Im down from being wired.... when my disorder flares up, It`s like ive already been there... course I dont drink coffee when that happens... no need to create a heart attack. To be honest, I almost like anxiety now. KInda like an adrenaline rush im mild doses. I like battling it.
Last edited by crookiemonster; 10-28-2004 at 03:26 PM.
) Not a good idea, I'd feel like I was having a never-ending anxiety attack, and the "crash" afterwards was awful. When I started taking Adderall for ADD, I cut out caffeine cold turkey.Now I have the occasional energy drink or soda, but nothing like before. It's made a big difference in how I feel and act. 
Good luck with it, I hope everything works out well for you. Post again to let us know how you're doing!
To be honest, I almost like anxiety now. KInda like an adrenaline rush im mild doses. I like battling it.
