Mental Health Effects of Energy Drink Consumption in Young Adults: An Exploratory Survey-Based Study
1. SHAIK AKRAM, University Of Central Oklahoma, Student, United States
Background:
The consumption of energy drinks among teenagers and young adults has seen a
significant increase in recent years, raising important public health concerns.
These beverages typically contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulant
compounds, which may have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly in
younger individuals whose brains are still developing. Increasing evidence
suggests that frequent energy drink intake could be linked to various
psychological symptoms, including anxiety, mood disturbances, panic attacks,
and sleep disruption.
Objective:
The primary objective of this pilot study was to explore the relationship
between energy drink consumption and self-reported mental health symptoms among
young adults. This investigation aimed to better understand how these beverages
might impact psychological well-being, focusing on anxiety, mood swings, panic
episodes, and sleep quality.
Methods:
A structured questionnaire was administered to a small sample of five
individuals aged 17 to 22 years. The survey gathered data on the frequency and
amount of energy drink consumption alongside the presence and severity of
mental health symptoms. Responses were analyzed descriptively to identify
preliminary trends and potential associations between consumption patterns and
psychological effects.
Results:
Findings indicated that a majority of participants (80%) experienced sleep
disturbances, anxiety, and mood swings, while 40% reported panic attacks.
Moreover, an increased frequency of energy drink use was correlated with
heightened severity of these psychological symptoms, suggesting a dose-response
relationship.
Conclusion:
Although limited by the small sample size, these preliminary findings align
with existing research highlighting the potential adverse mental health
outcomes associated with excessive energy drink consumption. This study
underscores the urgent need for larger-scale research and enhanced public
health education aimed at reducing risks among youth populations.
Energy drinks caffeine mental health adolescents sleep disturbance anxiety mood disorders
This exploratory study highlights the potential adverse psychological effects of energy drink consumption among adolescents and young adults. Although based on a small sample, the consistent pattern of anxiety, mood disturbances, and sleep-related issues suggests that excessive energy use may contribute to mental health challenges.
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Shaik Mahamad Akram was responsible for the conception and design of the study, development of the questionnaire, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The author also drafted, revised, and finalized the manuscript for publication.
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to this study.
The author wishes to thank all the participants who voluntarily took part in the survey and shared their personal experiences. Special appreciation is extended to friends and academic peers for their support during the data collection phase. Gratitude is also expressed to the faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma for their guidance and encouragement throughout the research process.
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the author upon reasonable request. All identifying information has been anonymized to protect participant confidentiality.