Social Modeling Interventions for Enhancing Placebo Effect
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
In this experiment, the investigators study the brain pathways underlying several promising context interventions that enhance the strength of placebo effects. Specifically, the investigators examine the separate and joint effects of two of the most powerful context interventions: Social modeling-observing someone else being effectively treated-and prior treatment success or failure experiences. Participants will be randomized into 4 groups (Social modeling: observed success vs. observed failure and Conditioning: experienced success vs. experienced failure). The objectives are to investigate the placebo effect on pain relief and aversive image stimuli between and within-subjects. Each group will undergo a behavioral induction phase, fMRI placebo test phase, and an identical 3-month follow up fMRI placebo test phase. Follow-up assessment will provide some of the first evidence on predictors of the durability of placebo and context interventions.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you have not taken antidepressants, mood stabilizers, glucocorticoids, or opiates in the last month. If you are currently on these medications, you may need to stop taking them before participating.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Social Modeling Interventions for Enhancing Placebo Effect?
Research shows that the placebo effect, which is the improvement of symptoms due to the belief in treatment rather than the treatment itself, can be powerful in conditions like pain, depression, and neurological disorders. This suggests that enhancing the placebo effect through social modeling interventions could potentially improve outcomes by leveraging patient expectations and perceptions.12345
Is the Social Modeling Intervention for Enhancing Placebo Effect safe for humans?
Research on psychological interventions to influence placebo effects suggests they are generally safe, as they focus on changing expectations rather than using active medications. However, the quality of evidence is low, and more detailed studies are needed to confirm safety across different conditions.26789
How does the treatment in the Social Modeling Interventions for Enhancing Placebo Effect trial differ from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it focuses on enhancing the placebo effect through social modeling, which involves using interpersonal and contextual factors to improve patient outcomes. Unlike traditional treatments that rely on direct pharmacological or mechanical interventions, this approach leverages the power of expectations and social interactions to achieve therapeutic benefits.310111213
Research Team
Tor D Wager, PhD
Principal Investigator
Dartmouth College
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking individuals without psychiatric/neurological disorders, substance abuse history, or pathological pain. They must be able to perform tasks and undergo fMRI scans, not have metal implants, and abstain from alcohol/substances before the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Observation
Participants watch a video of another participant undergoing the baseline assessment and placebo test procedure
Conditioning
Participants undergo a conditioning phase experiencing high-intensity heat before placebo treatment and then either low-intensity heat after application of a placebo cream
fMRI Test
Participants experience painful heat and aversive IAPS images during fMRI, on skin sites treated with Control and Placebo creams
Follow-up
A 3-month follow-up fMRI test phase to assess durability of brain and behavioral placebo effects
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Experienced Failure
- Experienced Success
- Observed Failure
- Observed Success
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Trustees of Dartmouth College
Lead Sponsor