Patterns of Caffeine Use and Validation of Assessment in Psychiatric Population: An Implication in Primary Care Setting

BACKGROUND: Caffeine use and abuse is a concern among treatment seekers for psychological problems. This aspect has not been documented an Indian context as well as its relevance in primary care setting. The aim of the present study was to explore and compare the caffeine intake and prevalence in Indian psychiatric patients and healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caffeine analysis in urine samples was carried out using a gold technique, gas chromatograph and mass selective detectors. This analytical technique is highly sensitive for identification of unambiguous compound. Two hundred and forty-three subjects having psychiatric disorders, along with forty-two healthy subjects were included in the study. They were assessed by using structured interview for caffeine use and screened for substance dependence as well. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight subjects had history of substance use along with other comorbid psychiatric problems The mean of caffeine values was 1459 ± 1140 ng/mL, Whereas 42 subjects in control group (male 26, female 16) in the age group of 21–60 years had the mean caffeine levels of 1023 ± 788.8 ng/mL. The Caffeine use was significantly higher (P ≥ 0.84) in the subjects with psychiatric problems in comparison to the healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: It implies the need to enable and sensitize the primary care physicians in screening and educating treatment seekers with psychiatric morbidities for the management of caffeine use.