Caffeine dependence in teenagers

This study identifies and characterizes symptoms of caffeine dependence in adolescents. Thirty-six adolescents who consumed caffeine daily and had Some features of caffeine dependence on telephone screen were scheduled for outpatient evaluation. Evaluation included the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV-Youth Version (DISC-IV) and modified DISC-IV questions that assessed caffeine dependence based oil DSM-IV substance dependence criteria. Of 36 subjects, 41.7%, (n = 15) reported tolerance to caffeine. 77.8%, (it = 28) described withdrawal symptoms after cessation or reduction of caffeine intake, 38.9% (n = 14) reported desire or unsuccessful attempts to control use, and 16.7%, (it = 6) endorsed use despite knowledge of physical or psychological problems associated with caffeine. There was no significant difference in the amount of caffeine consumed daily by caffeine dependent versus non-dependent teenagers, These findings are important due to the vast number of adolescents who drink caffeinated beverages. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.