Excess of cigarettes, tea, coffee and chocolate, which are frequently consumed every day, have significant effects on our brain and nervous system.
Nicotine and caffeine, which create a dopamine effect in the brain, should not be used in mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. Experts stated that the amount of consumption should be considered and said, "It can trigger emotions such as anger, anger and indecision."
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said that excessive consumption of nicotine and caffeine, which she defined as "social drugs", has many effects on the brain and nervous system.
SOCIAL DRUGS GIVE A FEELING OF WELL-BEING
Stating that caffeine, nicotine and chocolate increase cognitive tasks and creativity, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir made the following evaluations:
"Nicotine and caffeine, which we can also define as social drugs, i.e. legal substances, are substances that are easier to access, give pleasure and create desired psychological states. These substances cause an increase in cognitive work and creativity. Since these substances are legal, they are frequently preferred in this sense.
ACTIVATES ATTENTION AND WORKING MEMORY
When we look at what these substances change in the brain and what they affect, they basically give a feeling of well-being. They make attention and working memory more active. Chocolate reduces anxiety levels in stressful activity. Nicotine and caffeine have positive effects on anxiety."
THE REWARD SYSTEM IN THE BRAIN IS DISRUPTED
Stating that increased nicotine and caffeine consumption can lead to addiction, Prof. Dr. Kesebir said, "Although these substances are legal products, they can develop illegal addiction. But this happens more slowly and over a longer period of time. The transition from use to harmful use and addiction takes longer. As a result of addiction, they cause some disruptions on the reward system."
CAFFEINE TRIGGERS ANXIETY
Stating that excessive use of such substances can cause many damages on the body, Kesebir said, "Nicotine in particular is the cause of many physical diseases, especially cancers. Caffeine and nicotine consumption can cause negative effects in bipolar disorder. It also has effects on mood. Nicotine and caffeine elevate and lift mood. When caffeine is taken above a certain amount, it becomes a substance that stimulates anxiety and triggers it."
CHOCOLATE TRIGGERS DEPRESSION
Stating that caffeine can be consumed in small amounts, Prof. Dr. Kesebir said, "But too much is harmful. There are definitions of intoxication about caffeine today: Such as arousal, uneasiness, anxiety and fear. Chocolate, on the other hand, shows an uplifting effect mostly in depression. It is not so much associated with bipolarity today. But when we look at it historically, some symptoms that match today's atypical depression symptoms have been mentioned."
INCREASES ANXIETY AND IRRITABILITY
Prof. Dr. Kesebir pointed out that caffeine and nicotine should be limited especially in the case of bipolar disorder, considering that caffeine and nicotine have a dopamine effect on the brain, and made the following recommendations:
"Assuming that these substances have a dopamine effect, they should not be used when the mood is not stable. When there is no stable emotional state, that is, if the person experiences different emotions during the day or if he/she is in a rapid cycle, he/she may be more exposed to the negative effects of these substances. If there are ups and downs in emotions, nicotine and caffeine should be avoided. If the person has anxiety and irritability, nicotine and caffeine will increase these feelings. If they use them, the intensity of these feelings will increase."
NICOTINE REDUCES THE EFFECT OF MEDICATION
Emphasizing that nicotine has a reducing effect on the blood levels of psychological drugs, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, "The dose given to a person who smokes two packs of cigarettes is higher."
TRIGGERS MOOD DISORDERS
Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, "These substances that we use every day and consume abundantly and consider harmless can have different invisible effects. Unfortunately, we consume caffeine and chocolate unconsciously. These substances have detrimental effects for people with mood disorders. They can trigger feelings such as anger, anger and indecision that we do not know."