Clinical Study on Implicit Learning, Comorbidity and Stress Vulnerability in Chronic Functional Pain

Overview

The project investigates on the role of pain avoidance, comorbidity and stress response for the development of chronic somatic and visceral pain. We, the researchers at University Hospital Mannheim, assume that implicit operant learning of pain sensitization is a central mechanism of the process of pain becoming chronic, which is augmented by fear and by avoidance behaviour. Somatic and psychological comorbidity as well as stress factors are further promoting factors in chronic pain development.

Study 1: Implicit operant learning of sensitization and habituation in an experimental heat pain model will be investigated and compared in healthy controls, chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia, with and w/o visceral pain. Study 2: Functional imaging of implicit operant learning of sensitization and habituation in an experimental heat pain model (same subgroups as in study 1).

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Central Contacts