Energy Drink Use in Adolescents With and Without ADHD: Trends and Influences

We sought to determine the frequency, reasons for, and factors associated with energy drink consumption in adolescents with or without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Anonymous surveys were completed by 115 adolescents and their parents prior to appointments at two separate outpatient clinics (pediatric and psychiatric) over a three-month period. Trained staff provided surveys to be completed by adolescents and their parents on a voluntary basis, and all data was self-reported. Care was given to ensure adolescents and their parents completed surveys independently from each other.

A total of 114 adolescent surveys and 100 parent surveys were included in analysis. There was a statistically significant association between parent and adolescent consumption of energy drinks. The mean number of energy drinks consumed in the past month was lower among adolescents than among parents. The most common reason among all respondents for energy drink consumption was to promote wakefulness.

This survey found that adolescents with parents who consumed energy drinks were more likely to drink energy drinks themselves. Trends indicate that consumption of energy drinks is increasing in the adolescent population, with potential for serious adverse events resulting from high caffeine content, warranting the need for public health awareness.