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Individual differences in response to repeated painful stimulation: Habituation, sensitization, and nocebo effects
Maite M van der Miesen1, Catherine J Vossen2, Viviane N Compère3
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
The Journal of Pain
|March 20, 2025
Summary
Pain responses vary greatly between individuals, showing both habituation and sensitization patterns. A nocebo effect, triggered by negative expectations, significantly increased pain ratings, even after established habituation and sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Psychology
Background:
- Habituation and sensitization are opposing responses to repeated painful stimulation.
- The influence of nocebo effects on these pain response patterns is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate individual differences in habituation and sensitization to pain.
- To examine the impact of a nocebo manipulation on these pain response patterns.
Main Methods:
- 60 participants received repeated painful electrical stimulation.
- Pain intensity and unpleasantness were rated after each stimulus.
- A nocebo manipulation (negative expectation) was introduced to half the participants.
Main Results:
- Significant individual variability in pain response trajectories was observed.
- Group-level sensitization to pain decreased over time, with individual patterns varying.
- The nocebo manipulation significantly increased pain and unpleasantness ratings.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences profoundly impact pain habituation and sensitization.
- Nocebo effects can override established pain adaptation patterns.
- Understanding these individual responses is crucial for pain management strategies.
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