The relationship of caffeinated beverages with depressive symptoms and decision-making

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Çolak, Hatice^{a; 1; *} | Erdeniz, Emel^{b; 2} | Sarıyer, Esra Tansu^{a; 3} | Çevik, Ekin^{a; 4} | Yangın, Didem^{c; 5}

Affiliations: [a] Uskudar University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Istanbul, Turkey | [b] Uskudar University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Perfusion, Istanbul, Turkey | [c] Uskudar University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Child Development, Istanbul, Turkey

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Hatice Çolak, Uskudar University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Istanbul, Turkey. Tel.: +09 0507 384 90 05; E-mail: [email protected].

Note: [1] https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5502-8762

Note: [2] https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3949-2770

Note: [3] https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7042-9185

Note: [4] https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1591-0069

Note: [5] https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8979-6599

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Caffeine can affect depressive symptoms and decision-making. OBJECTIVE:This study aims to examine the relationship between caffeinated beverages consumption with depressive symptoms and decision-making styles. METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted with 432 adults working in office environment. The questionnaire consisting of individuals’ socio-demographic attributes, the frequency and the amount of caffeinated beverages consumption, the “Epidemiological Research Center-Depression (CES-D) Scale” and the “Decision-Making Styles Scale” were used. The frequency and amount of caffeinated beverages were determined using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The participants were asked to choose which cup/mug they prefer to drink their caffeinated beverages and what amount they consume that beverage at a time. All the data were collected using online platforms. RESULTS:In the study, 76.7%of the participants were female and the mean age was 31.5±8.0 years. The average daily total caffeine intake of the participants was 425.8±461.4 mg and the total CES-D scale score was 17.7±11.2 points. It was found that as the amount of caffeine consumed increased, intuitive decision-making decreased and depressive symptoms increased (p < 0.05). In linear regression analysis, total caffeine consumption was found to be a significant predictor for the intuitive decision-making score (B: –0.151; p:0.002). When caffeine consumption is controlled, intuitive and rational decision making decreases with increasing depressive symptoms while addiction and avoidance decision making increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:As a result, the amount of caffeine consumed daily was related to intuitive decision-making but did not effect depression. It has been observed that depressive symptoms affect decision-making styles in different ways. To our knowledge, our study is the first to examine the effects of caffeine consumption on depression and decision-making styles. Accordingly, future studies may focus on the link between caffeine consumption, depression, and decision-making styles in larger populations and the mechanisms that influence this relationship.

Keywords: Caffeine consumption, depressive symptoms, decision-making styles

DOI: 10.3233/MNM-211532

Journal: Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 253-262, 2022