[SQLVR]

Does anyone else find that having to much caffeine worsens symptoms. I had two cups of coffee today and the voices are going crazy.

[Limburglar]

Any chemical modification can affect your symptoms, both for better and/or worse. Maybe try Decaf?

[volatile]

oooh yes.

[Tsunamisurfer]

Yes. It varies for me. If I'm not in an episode, it doesn't worry me at all, and I can have coffee before bed and not have a bad night.
But during any kind of episode it can amplify stress.

[costello]

My son has had episodes which were made worse by caffeine, but he's also had some made better. I speculate the latter are because the frontal lobes were stimulated and helped him control his impulsive behavior. Just a theory.

[Tsunamisurfer]

Originally Posted by costello

My son has had episodes which were made worse by caffeine, but he's also had some made better. I speculate the latter are because the frontal lobes were stimulated and helped him control his impulsive behavior. Just a theory.

Interesting you say that, Costello. There are definitely times when I feel calm and clearer on coffee, and I had no explanation for it.

[costello]

Originally Posted by Tsunamisurfer

Interesting you say that, Costello. There are definitely times when I feel calm and clearer on coffee, and I had no explanation for it.

I've actually watched my son go from agitated to calm while drinking strong coffee. To my mind it's like when they give ADHD kids Ritalin - a stimulant - to make them less hyperactive.

[newtus]

Originally Posted by costello

ADHD kids Ritalin - a stimulant - to make them less hyperactive.

i never understood this.
hyperactive..and give a stimulant to makes LESS hyper?..

[costello]

Originally Posted by newtus

i never understood this.
hyperactive..and give a stimulant to makes LESS hyper?..

I believe the theory is that the stimulant activates the frontal lobes. The frontal lobes are important in impulse control. So the impulsive child gains better control over his behavior.