Abstract
Numerous studies of experimental and clinical pain show that placebo treatments reduce reported pain and that expectancies play a key role in their effectiveness. However, very little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms of either placebo analgesia or the generation of expectancy that enables it. To address this issue, I used functional magnetic resonance imaging to quantify placebo-induced changes in pain-processing brain regions during the experience of pain. Results show placebo-induced decreases in contralateral thalamus, anterior insula, and anterior cingulate, and increases in prefrontal brain regions that may maintain expectations for pain relief. These findings are discussed in light of several proposed neuropsychological mechanisms of placebo analgesia: altered appraisal of threat, diversion of attention, and activation of descending opioid systems for spinal control. These results suggest that placebo treatment alters the appraisal process, reducing the subjective distress caused by pain.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
