The latest research studies reveal that the area of the brain where emotional discomfort is felt is the same location where physical pain is experienced.

Written by: Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD  

Last year, a study was conducted at the University of Kentucky, College of Arts and Sciences, examining the connection and possible overlap between physical pain and emotional pain. This particular study had 62 participants who were filling out the “Hurt Feeling Scale”, a self-assessment tool which measures an individual’s reaction to distressing experiences. In addition, the study was using doses of the active ingredient in Tylenol – acetaminophen – as part of its protocol.

The researchers separated the study volunteers into two groups. The first group, after filling out their self-assessment tools, were given 1,000 mg of the acetaminophen. This is a dose that is equal to one Extra Strength Tylenol. The control group however, received a placebo instead of the acetaminophen.

After three weeks, the study findings revealed that the control group (the group without the acetaminophen) did not experience any change in the amount of intensity of “hurt” feeling during the three week period. However, the group that did receive the active ingredient reported a noticeable reduction of “hurt” feelings on a regular, day-today basis.

The outcomes were so interesting that the researchers started a second study group of 25 different volunteers. This time however, they increased the amount of acetaminophen to 2,000 mg daily and added computer games that were designed to create social rejection and a feeling of isolation in the participants. Additionally, the study added MRI scanning which was able to identify when participants had feelings of social rejection occur.

Now here is the “gold” from the research: The outcomes demonstrated that the area of the brain where emotional discomfort is felt is the same location where physical pain is experienced. This would explain why the group that was taking the acetaminophen, while having not physical pain, reported less feelings of hurt and rejection than the group that was not taking the acetaminophen but rather a placebo substance.

Geoff MacDonald, PhD, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto who is an expert in romantic relationships, co-authored this study. MacDonald states that our brain pain centers cannot tell the difference between physical pain and emotional pain.

Please remember, Tylenol is not recommended to be used routinely as it can lead to liver and digestive system disturbances. But with the research suggesting it may ease the pain of a broken heart, perhaps in the near-future, our therapists and physicians may recommend we “take two Tylenol and call me in the morning” for heartache as well as for headache! 
 

 June 20, 2012 

Dr. Donadio is a nationally-acclaimed relationship expert and best-selling author of Changing Behavior: Immediately Transform Your Relationships with Easy-to-Learn, Proven Communication Skills. Changing Behavior is the 2012 Indie Book Of The Year winner and a #1 Amazon Kindle relationships book.

Dr. Donadio was recently a guest on The Healthy Mind with Dr. Zafirides podcast. Listen to the May 16, 2012 interview HERE.

Sources:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/227298.php
http://web.psych.utoronto.ca/gmacdonald/Research%20Interests.html

NOTE: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. The dosages of acetaminophen cited in the article above represented research dosages. Never exceed the recommended dosage of any medication unless instructed to do so by your health care professional.  For more information, please read our TERMS AND CONDITIONS.