Caffeine Intoxication Symptoms and DSM-IV Diagnosis

Caffeine intoxication symptoms and diagnostic criteria follow below. While some of these caffeine intoxication symptoms may be recognized by family, teachers, legal and medical professionals, and others, only properly trained mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, professional counselors etc.) can or should even attempt to make a mental health diagnosis. Many additional factors are considered in addition to the caffeine intoxication symptoms in making proper diagnosis, including frequently medical and psychological testing consideration. This information on caffeine intoxication symptoms and diagnostic criteria are for information purposes only and should never replace the judgment and comprehensive assessment of a trained mental health clinician.

305.9 Caffeine Intoxication Diagnostic criteria:

A. Recent consumption of caffeine, usually in excess of 250 mg (e.g., more than 2-3 cups of coffee).

B. Five (or more) of the following signs, developing during, or shortly after, caffeine use:

restlessness
nervousness
excitement
insomnia
flushed face
diuresis
gastrointestinal disturbance
muscle twitching
rambling flow of thought and speech
tachycardia or cardiac arrhythmia
periods of in inexhaustibility
psychomotor agitation

C. The symptoms in criterion B cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The symptoms are not due to a general medical condition and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., an anxiety disorder).

Information from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV

Additional Information and webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate (Health and Geriatric Psychologist)

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Mental Health Diagnosis - DSM-IV Diagnosis and Codes: Alphabetical