Section - Quick Takes

05. Effects of Caffeine on Anxiety and Panic Attacks in Patients With Panic Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Published on May 1, 2022 Expired on May 1, 2025

James Phelps, M.D.

Research Editor - Psychopharmacology Institute

Key Points

Surprisingly, not all studies have shown that caffeine induces more anxiety in people with panic disorder than in control research subjects. But in a meta-analysis, such an effect is seen, and it is large.

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Text version

Mr. Harris is a 35-year-old man referred to you by his primary care provider for severe anxiety. He’s having episodes of shortness of breath, tingling in his fingers and toes, tachycardia, clammy hands, nausea, and a sense of impending doom. These episodes start suddenly and then stay at a high intensity for 5 to 10 minutes, during which he fears something terrible is happening. The symptoms then gradually diminish over the next 10 to 20 minutes. He’s having several episodes per day, particularly in the late afternoon. Sound familiar?

Hi! Jim Phelps here for the Psychopharmacology Institute. Suppose that on taking his history, you discover that at work everyone stops by the breakroom several times a day to chat. He did not have these episodes that he described until he started working in this office. This is all before COVID-19, obviously. Is there a question you’d like to ask him?

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Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Assess the efficacy and safety of mirtazapine for the treatment of agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Evaluate the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation for the management of functional neurologic disorders.
Assess the impact of serotonin transporter gene length on antidepressant response and adverse effect rates.
Compare clozapine discontinuation rates, and reasons for doing so, among patients who later restarted vs never-again resumed clozapine.
Evaluate the extent to which caffeine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms among patients with panic disorder.

Original Release Date: May 1, 2022

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: May 1, 2025

Expert: James Phelps, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.