3 Cups of Coffee Increases Hallucinations

PearsSoap writes "The Telegraph and other sources are pointing out a study on 200 students which has found that a high caffeine intake can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, and can make people think that others are 'out to get them.' The abstract (and full version if you have access) is available. 'The volunteers were questioned about their caffeine intake from products including coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate bars and caffeine tablets.'"

Comments

It explains the success of Starbucks

[140Mandak262Jamuna]

This study finally explains why Starbucks is so successful. Its products create an illusion in their customers that they are normal human beings with some real life worth living. Once these Starbucks addicts stay away from caffeine they are overwhelmed by their own sense of inadequacy and rush back to the store for another hit.

Re:So

[Anonymous Coward]

There is a big difference between feeling anxious and hallucinating. I'm just surprised it took only 3 cups.

Most people wouldn't even notice this kind of hallucination. I only do because I am particularly sensitive to "migraine aura", which presents itself almost identically. In short, "noise" becomes interpreted as part of a scene. The leads to things like "after images" and "bleeding colors" and lightning bolt looking patterns on stuff.

Your visual field isn't as "solid" as you might think. It is always filling in details (i.e. making stuff up). Heck, it even depends on your mood. My post-coital vision is particularly dreamy. It it not surprising that a stimulant will stimulate this effect, especially when it is well known for other stimulants.

Re:RTFA

[h4rm0ny]

Sorry to say it, but anyone who is living in the US or the UK right now and isn't paranoid, are the ones who are suffering from a detachment from reality!