Pain Anticipation Hurts

Researchers have found that some people will choose to receive a more painful shock sooner over a less painful shock later. In the study, published in Science, researchers presented 32 participants with various choices regarding the intensity of shocks and wait time. The participants that were severe “dreaders” often chose the higher voltage shock if it meant less waiting time. Using functional magnetic imaging, the researchers found that the area of the brain linked to pain was activated even before the shock was administered. The areas of the brain linked to fear and anxiety were not active during this waiting period, however, leading researchers to conclude that the anticipation of pain is almost as bad as the actual pain itself. Future studies may use this information in regards to drug use and dread. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/312/5774/754