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Caffeine effects on learning, performance, and anxiety in normal school-age children
G A Bernstein1, M E Carroll, R D Crosby
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455.
Summary
Caffeine improved attention and motor skills in children, though it also increased anxiety slightly. Further research is needed due to caffeine
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Human Nutrition
Background:
- Caffeine is widely consumed by children.
- Its effects on cognitive function and anxiety in prepubertal children are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of caffeine on learning, performance, and anxiety in prepubertal children.
- To assess caffeine's impact on attention, manual dexterity, memory, and processing speed.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 21 children.
- Four sessions: baseline, placebo, 2.5 mg/kg caffeine, and 5.0 mg/kg caffeine.
- Evaluated cognitive tests, anxiety scales, and saliva caffeine levels.
Main Results:
- Caffeine enhanced performance on attention and manual dexterity tasks.
- A trend towards increased self-reported anxiety was observed.
- Children felt less sluggish after caffeine consumption.
Conclusions:
- Caffeine may enhance certain cognitive and motor skills in children.
- Findings suggest a potential trade-off between performance enhancement and increased anxiety.
- Results highlight the need for further investigation due to widespread caffeine consumption in children.