Is caffeine involved in the pathogenesis of combat-stress reaction?

Abstract

The role of caffeine in the pathogenesis of combat-stress reaction is discussed in light of the expanding literature on caffeine's influence on stress reactions in animals and in humans, and in regard to the two clinical entities concerning caffeine: caffeinism and caffeine withdrawal. It is proposed that caffeine is a contributing factor to the development of combat-stress reaction and that the use of decaffeinated coffee in military settings might reduce the prevalence of the various anxiety reactions, including combat-stress reaction.