Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Patient expectations may influence treatment
By Staff Writer
An individual suffering from chronic pain may receive more effective treatment if they have a more positive outlook, according to a recent brain imaging study on patient expectations.
The recent study, which was conducted by researchers at Oxford University, found that doctors may need to deal with patients’ expectations in order for a treatment to have any effect.
To test the effects one’s beliefs can have on treatment outcomes, the researchers provided 22 volunteers with an opioid drug paired and manipulated the participants' expectations of the effects of the substance.
Heat was applied to the volunteers’ legs at a level that began to cause pain. The study was designed so that each participant rated the pain at 70 on a scale of 1 to 100. In addition, the individuals received an intravenous line to provide pain relief via an opioid drug.
When the participants were told that they would be receiving the drug, even though it was the same dose as before, the pain ratings decreased to 39.
When the participants were led to believe that they were no longer receiving the drug, their pain rating increased to 64. However, there was actually no change in the way the drug was being administered.
These findings reveal that patients' expectations can have both positive and negative effects on the way they perceive the effects of medications. This knowledge may help individuals who receive chronic pain treatment and recovery support.
