Brain's own opioids may power placebo effect for heartbreak and pain

This early-phase study investigates whether the opioid system is involved in placebo effects on both physical pain and the pain of social rejection. Sixty adults who recently experienced an unwanted breakup will receive either naloxone (which blocks opioids) or saline, and be told it is either a pain-reducing spray or a placebo. During brain scans, they will be exposed to heat, pressure, and rejection-related stimuli to measure pain, emotions, and brain activity.