Does caffeine help with ADHD?

I love my morning coffee, I genuinely need to drink it before I can begin any task or speak to anyone. I also love my afternoon pick-me-up coffee, especially when I have a big thing I need to focus on and get done. 

But clearly, it’s not just me. It’s a $132 billion industry after all. The reason for this is not just the taste, but the fact that caffeine is one of the most widely recognised natural stimulants. It affects the central nervous system and is known for enhancing focus, energy, and alertness. 

Because of its stimulating effects, caffeine has sparked interest as a potential aid for managing ADHD.

Stimulant medications, commonly used to treat ADHD, work by increasing dopamine levels—a chemical linked to attention and feelings of reward. 

Caffeine binds to the adenosine receptors in your brain which are in charge of your sleep and arousal. This means whilst it decreases the ability to sleep, it increases motivation, learning and pleasure. 

This means caffeine may amplify dopamine’s effects in the brain, leading some to wonder whether it could help ease ADHD symptoms in adults.

However, this information should be used with caution as there haven’t been enough studies to show the safety and efficacy of the use in caffeine to manage ADHD symptoms.

One study however can be found here.