There’s no arguing that the Wash. U. undergraduate population is driven. We’re driven to be doctors, driven to make it to the East Coast for graduate school and driven to get straight A’s. Unfortunately, though, there are too many of us who are driven to do whatever it takes to make our transcripts impeccable. At Monday’s Controversy n’ Coffee forum, “Am I cheating? A special forum on academic integrity,” Dean Dirk Killen said that every year the College of Arts & Sciences hears about 20-

I know, it’s mid afternoon, not morning, but these musings arise from this morning’s tub soak. So, the title is legit, and it sounds better this way. I came downstairs this morning to fix myself breakfast. Perked some half Maxwell House Classic, half Folger’s Hazelnut (and would have added a bit of Cinnamon-plus, like my friend, Martha does, but I haven’t gotten around to purchasing it yet) Rich, full-bodied coffee, non-the-less. Poured it into one of my two favorite china mugs (made in E

Ever wonder why on the days that you’ve had a little too much coffee, you tend to feel nervous, jittery and hyperactive? This is because caffeine can have the same effect as amphetamine, hence the energized and focus feelings you get from too much of it. This has lead to arguments on whether caffeine can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. This has caused mixed reactions.

A number of studies have been conducted to answer this question and the results are not conclusive in one direction or the other. Some studies argue that the intake of caffeine caused ADHDers to be less impulsive, aggressive, more focused, and to have increased hand-to-eye coordination. When parents and teachers were polled, they believed caffeine was just as effective as taking Ritalin. Still other studies have proven that the combination of Ritalin and caffeine gave the best benefit.

If you think that this is indeed good news to ADHD sufferers then you might want to consider the fact that no one actually reacts to caffeine the same way. Therefore there is no way one can be sure of who will benefit from taking it. Studies done on usage of caffeine often involve scores of tests done by children suffering from ADHD. These tests take into account the concentration and hyperactivity. Scores are then averaged thus often leads to overall benefits scoring between nonexistent or minimal, therefore, not taking into consideration children who are severely affected by it.

The amount of caffeine ingested when you have ADHD will make a difference in how you react, and it appears that the more you take, the worse you become! Let’s also remember that the amount of caffeine you use is also related to insomina and addiction to caffeine! This can’t be a good thing!

A low does of caffeine is thought to be about 158-160 milligrams. Look at the following list and see how quickly you can reach that level.
- Coke has 23 mgs. in 8 ounces
- Diet Coke has 31 mgs. in 8 ounces
- Brewed tea has 20-35 mgs. while instant tea has 10-30 mgs. in 8 ounces
- Chocolate milk has 5 mgs in 8 ounces
- Semi-sweet chocolate (think chocolate chip cookies) has 5-35 mgs. in 1 ounce

Adults will probably be more prone to taking caffeine into their diet than children. It is wise for you to be fully aware of the effect caffeine can bring to sufferer of ADHD we are likely to be gaining more bad than good from it. You should decide what will be the best amount for you, if you are suffering from ADD or your child because only you can tell and observe clearly its effect on your body. Don’t rush into making decisions for yourself of your loved ones for no one is restricting you from caffeine after all.

Faced with deadlines, especially during high stress times like midterms and finals weeks, many students turn to study aid stimulants such as coffee, Red Bull, or 5-Hour Energy shots, while others resort to more drastic measures, such as Adderall or Ritalin.

Our brain function is enhanced by drinking coffee, by eating nutritious food, even by getting a good night?s sleep. Should taking brain-enhancing drugs be another step along that continuum?