Can a nasal spray reveal the Brain's role in feeling rejected?

NCT ID NCT04650841

First seen Jan 09, 2026 · Last updated Apr 25, 2026 · Updated 15 times

Summary

This early-phase study looks at how the brain's opioid system—its natural painkiller—affects placebo effects for both physical pain and the pain of social rejection. Sixty adults who recently went through an unwanted breakup will receive either naloxone (which blocks opioids) or a saline spray, and then undergo brain scans while experiencing pain and rejection-related stimuli. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms behind these placebo effects, not to provide treatment.

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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Dartmouth College

    Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

Conditions

Explore the condition pages connected to this study.