L Dawkins et al, 2011, Expectation of having consumed caffeine can improve performance and mood, Appetite, Article in Press.

We explored whether caffeine, and expectation of having consumed caffeine, affects attention, reward responsivity and mood using double-blinded methodology. 88 participants were randomly allocated to ‘drink-type’ (caffeinated/decaffeinated coffee) and ‘expectancy’ (told caffeinated/told decaffeinated coffee) manipulations. Both caffeine and expectation of having consumed caffeine improved attention and psychomotor speed. Expectation enhanced self-reported vigour and reward responsivity. Self reported depression increased at post-drink for all participants, but less in those receiving or expecting caffeine. These results suggest caffeine expectation can affect mood and performance but do not support a synergistic effect.
 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Recent research papers



Follow @coffeeandhealth
Coffee and Health logo

New feature

The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) has added a special feature on coffee and cholesterol to the cardiovascular health section of the website.

Click here for more information.