How the brain's natural painkillers affect placebo and heartbreak
Part of Pain clinical trials.
This study looks at how the brain’s own natural pain-relieving chemicals (the opioid system) affect the placebo effect on pain and feelings of social rejection. By understanding this, researchers hope to find better ways to manage pain and emotional distress.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You must be between 18 and 55 years old.
- You must have recently gone through a breakup of a romantic relationship.
- You must be healthy with no major psychiatric or neurological conditions, and no current or past chronic pain.
- You must be able to read and cooperate with an MRI scan (no metal in body, not claustrophobic).
- You need to have avoided alcohol and drugs for 48 hours before the study.
- You must not be taking certain medications (like antidepressants, steroids, or opioids).
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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