Can a placebo ease a broken heart? scientists investigate

NCT ID NCT04650841

First seen Jan 09, 2026 · Last updated Jun 13, 2026 · Updated 23 times

Summary

This study looks at how the brain's natural painkillers (opioids) might help with both physical pain and the pain of social rejection, like a breakup. Sixty adults who recently went through a breakup will receive either a drug that blocks opioids (naloxone) or a saltwater spray, and then experience pain and rejection cues while their brains are scanned. The goal is to understand the role of the opioid system in placebo effects, not to provide a 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.