Abstract

INCREASED USE OF ENERGY DRINKS IN TEENAGERS: ANTIDEPRESSANT EFFECT POSSIBLE CAUSE

Sana Sarfaraz*, Fizza Azeem, Yumna Batool, Sarah Hussain, TanveerBano, Wajeeha Fatima

ABSTRACT

Background: Energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine, which can provide a temporary energy boost and antidepressant effects. The boost is short-lived, however, and may be accompanied by other problems. Teenagers mostly use Energy Drinks to boost and refresh themselves because of their hectic and depressed schedule. Objective: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the consumption of energy drinks in teenagers, reason of consumption and effects observed. We also evaluated its antidepressant effect using experimental studies. Methodology: A survey based study of N=200 population was carried out from different institutions consisting of both male and female students. The answers were recorded as open ended. Experimental study was also conducted consisting of albino mice. The mice were divided into 2 groups consisting of 6 mice each. Control group was given water and Treated group was given energy drink. The anti depressant effect was observed using forced swim method. Results And Discussion: From our results we found that 72% teenage population consumes energy drink .The rate of consumption by teenagers is 44% daily and 48% weekly. The effects most commonly observed by teenagers were improved performance in daily activities 51%, obesity 36%, lack of sleep 17% and relief from muscle pain 16%. Our experimental data showed increased struggling time of 101 seconds as compared to control of 44 seconds. Conclusion: From our study we came to conclude that the teenagers use energy drink to increase their performance by relieving depression because it brings positive changes in their life. However the knowledge of energy drink’s side effects must be known by the consumers and further work needs to be done to evaluate it.

Keywords: Energy drink, Teenagers, Antidepressant, Side effects.