Abstract
Caffeine is a legally available, widely consumed psychoactive substance with mild central nervous system stimulant properties. There is sufficient caffeine in a cup of coffee to have a stimulant effect. Caffeine can adversely affect some mental health symptoms, notably sleep and anxiety. Effects would be worse if consumed excessively. This survey aimed to describe the pattern of provision of caffeinated coffee to patients admitted to UK adult psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs) in order to inform local practice. All NHS adult PICUs across the UK were contacted to establish what type of coffee they routinely provided to their patients. Two thirds of PICUs provided only decaffeinated instant coffee to their patients. However, a minority provided caffeinated coffee in an unregulated manner, including three units which did not routinely offer decaffeinated coffee. National guidance to inform and direct the practice of providing or restricting the consumption of drinks containing psychoactive substances on a PICU may be beneficial.
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