This study provides practical inferences on possible pain
intervention for the clinicians.
According to a recent study in The Journal of Pain,
previous pain experience and mere possession of a placebo analgesic anticipated
placebo analgesia thereby presenting a new perception on the progression of
effect of placebo.
This randomised clinical trial was performed in 127 healthy
individuals to clarify if the mere possession of a placebo analgesic can
influence pain for people with and without instantaneous prior experience.
The study participants were stratified into groups as:
people with previous pain (PP) or with no prior pain (No-PP). Firstly, the people
in PP performed an initial trial comprising of a cold pressor test (CPT) to
encourage direct encounter with this pain stimulus. They were randomized to
have an inert cream (each of an analgesic or anti-itch cream). The main CPT was
completed afterwards. Except for preliminary CPT (hence, no instantaneous
previous CPT pain experience), the people in No-PP condition had the same settings
as PP.
A noteworthy previous pain experience and possession status
interaction consequence on placebo analgesia was revealed. Participants in the
No-PP condition but not PP condition displayed confirmation of reduced pain
when they merely had an analgesic cream as compared to an anti-itch cream. This
trial discussed the effect of anticipation and emotion on the basic process.
The Journal of Pain
Prior Pain Exposure and Mere Possession of a Placebo Analgesic Predict Placebo Analgesia: Findings From a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial
Victoria Wai-lanYeung, Andrew LGeers
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