Effects of naltrexone on repressive coping and disclosure of emotional material: a test of the opioid-peptide
Jarred W Younger1, Kathleen A Lawler-Row, Krista A Moe
1Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Pain Research, MC 5747, 780 Welch Rd., Suite 208, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. jyounger@stanford.edu
Objective:
The present study was designed to assess the role of endogenous opioids in the relationship of hypertension to repressive coping.
Methods:
Ten hypertensive and 8 normotensive males were given either the opioid antagonist naltrexone or placebo in a randomized, double-blind fashion over the course of four laboratory sessions. Measures of repression and disclosure were completed and blood pressure was assessed during a laboratory stressor protocol.
Results:
Opioid antagonism reduced repression and increased disclosure only in the hypertensive group. Also, opioid antagonism increased stress-related systolic blood pressure only in the hypertensive group.
Conclusion:
The results support the hypothesis that endogenous opioid dysregulation underlies both hypertension and repressive phenomena.
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