There has been considerable research into the effects of caffeine on various aspects of human behavior, and it is well understood that caffeine is a mood-altering substance. Research studying the link between caffeine consumption and depression provides a model of investigatory procedures incorporating a large variety of nonexperimental design methods. Thus, a methodological review of the nonexperimental literature was conducted to investigate the numerous methods and measures used to evaluate caffeine's relationship with depression. Through review of the depression-specific literature, a synopsis is provided of how the caffeine–mood link has been investigated when direct observation and manipulation of independent variables has not been feasible.
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