FUTHLafia Psychiatrist Links Suicide to Caffeinated Drinks

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia 

A Consultant Psychiatrist with the Federal University Teaching Hospital Lafia (FUTHLafia), Dr Paul Agbo, has said regular intake of caffeinated and energy drinks could lead to mental health challenges and suicide.

Agbo, therefore, called on residents of the state and Nigerians in general to be mindful of the quality and quantity of such drinks before they are consumed.

The Consultant Psychiatrist, who is the Head of the Department of Behavioral and Mental Health in the teaching hospital, made the revelation on Tuesday while addressing journalists shortly after he and other healthcare workers commemorated the 2924 World Mental Health Day.

He also noted that depression, anxiety of self-esteem, lack of sleep and eating disorders among individuals were factors responsible for the unproductivity at various work places in the country.

He adding that such health concerns could equally make an individual to commit suicide.

The Consultant Psychiatrist said: “People should avoid taking substances such as caffeinated and energy drinks. The negative effect of such drinks could make an individual to commit suicide.

“Depression, anxiety of self-esteem, lack of sleep issues and eating disorders of an individual are factors responsible for the high rate of suicide in the society.”

He noted that the hospital was commemorating the World Mental Health Day 2024 in order to raise awareness of mental illnesses affecting citizens of the country including the issues of suicide.