Are my mental illnesses caused by caffeine allergy?

Question

I have been reading a few articles about how caffeine causes symptoms of mental illnesses, including, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, adhd, depression, and others.

Now I keep thinking, I used to drink a lot of soda back 3 years ago in college, sometimes 2 20oz bottles a day. BUT it was always the ones that said "no caffeine" once in a while I would drink coke with caffeine.

Then I transferred colleges and started living at home at and basically stopped the soda till last summer where I basically drank a 12oz soda can of diet COKE ZERO with caffeine for about 4-5 months, during this time I also used 5 bottles of those 5 hour power drinks.

So now Im all confused thinking that my bipolar disorder and ADHD is caused by caffeine, BUT i have had symptoms of bipolar disorder for 5 years now, and back then I would drink half a can of soda every 1-2 weeks. Also my ADHD has been pretty apparent since I was like 10-12.

So first off, is it true mental illnesses can be caused by caffeine and could my mental illnesses have been caused by that? I didn't notice any difference in my mood changes, other than what was already occurring because of my bipolar.

Also i used to have 2 shots of dunkin donuts espresso for 2 weeks during my finals about a year ago.

Answer 1

No, your problems are not due to caffeine allergy.  I am not sure where you are getting the information, but it's grasping at straws.  You do not consume enough caffeine to have any problems with it, though with your bipolar disorder you need to stay away from the power drinks as they often contain a lot more than caffeine and could set off a manic episode.

While it is a good idea to watch our consumption of caffeine, no matter who we are, it is not responsible for your problems.

Answer 2

No, if it was so, with all the coffee I drink I'd be nutso.