Can’t get through the day without drinking coffee? We can’t either but it seems psychologists are increasingly concerned about the impact it can have on people.
In fact they are now treating those who have “caffeine-use disorder” with cognitive behavioural therapy (which is commonly used for anxiety disorders).
The disorder is determined like any other kind of addiction – failed attempts to decrease caffeine consumption, a psychological or physical dependence on it and/or withdrawal symptoms such as headaches or fatigue.
A recent study, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, found that “talk therapy” helps people who consume too much caffeine reduce their intake dramatically.
Speaking about the findings the author of the study and professor at American University in Washington, D.C., Laura Juliano said: “What we’re talking about here are people who have not only a physical dependence on caffeine, but also negative physical and psychological repercussions if they try to cut back or quit, and therefore an inability to do so.”
“And we found that therapy helped people with this disorder make significant reductions in consumption.”
She also advised limiting caffeine consumption to 400mg per day (that’s two or three eight ounce cups of coffee).
*Pushes cup out of reach.*
