Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant consumed by approximately 85% of adults in the United States daily, has complex implications for individuals with mental health disorders. Its primary mechanism involves non-selective antagonism of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, resulting in increased dopamine and norepinephrine transmission—neurotransmitters implicated in multiple psychiatric conditions. While moderate caffeine intake may […]
Category Archives: anxiety
How Anxiety Can Present as Disruptive Behaviors 3/19/25
It is common for children and families to present to their primary care providers with concerns about externalizing behavioral problems and/or wanting to rule out Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or another disruptive behavioral disorder. A common presenting problem is severe outbursts at home and/or disruptive behavior in school. In some of these cases, the […]
Beta Blockers 12/18/24
Case Presentation: Your 11 year old male patient with Autism level 2 without intellectual or verbal impairment and Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not tolerating sertraline well (resulting in weight gain and akathisia) with minimal positive effect. Primary concerning symptoms include: agitation, quick to anger, and difficulty with changes in routine. He previously did not tolerate […]