Gradually, patients learn to interpret their symptoms. But not all psychologists think that avoiding caffeine is a long-term cure. Norman Schmidt, an associate professor of psychology at Ohio State University, is one who actually prescribes coffee as part of treatment. To help patients confront their fears head-on and learn to distinguish unfounded panic from a real threat. After teaching patients to recognize caffeine's effects, Schmidt has them desensitize themselves by gradually increasing their consumption of caffeine over the course of a month or two.
Patients start with sips of soda, then work up to a cup of coffee.
A strong cup of coffee spiked with NoDoz. We could tell them that over and over again, but they've got to know it in their gut. If patients ending treatment announce they still don't intend to drink coffee, Schmidt knows they haven't overcome their unfounded fear. So there's one more test they must pass. He tells them to down a triple espresso without triggering a panic attack.