Exploring how catastrophizing affects itch perception in healthy individuals
Investigation of the Neurophysiological and Psychological Aspects of Itch
This study is testing how different ways of thinking about pain and discomfort, like feeling helpless or worrying too much, affect how healthy people experience itchiness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Aalborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aalborg) |
| Trial ID | NCT06340438 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates the relationship between different dimensions of catastrophizing, such as rumination and helplessness, and their impact on itch and pain intensity in healthy individuals. The study aims to understand how cognitive and emotional factors, along with personality traits like anxiety sensitivity, influence the perception of itch. By using interventions like histamine and cowhage, researchers will assess how these factors modulate itch responses in a controlled experimental setting. The findings could provide insights into the psychological aspects of chronic itch and pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy men and women aged 18-60 who can speak and understand English.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological, immunological, or mental health disorders, as well as those with skin diseases, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of chronic itch, potentially enhancing quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between catastrophizing and pain is well-documented, this specific investigation into itch perception is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy men and women * 18-60 years * Speak and understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or lactation * Drug addiction defined as any use of cannabis, opioids, or other addictive drugs * Previous or current history of neurological (e.g. neuropathy), immunological (e.g. asthma, immune deficiencies, arthritis), musculoskeletal (e.g. muscular pain in the upper extremities,), cardiac disorder, or mental illnesses that may affect the results * Lack of ability to cooperate * Current use of medications that may affect the trial such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and pain killers, as well as systemic or topical steroids * Skin diseases (e.g. atopic dermatitis, pruritus nodularis, eczema, psoriasis) * Moles, scars, or tattoos in the area to be treated or tested. * Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these * Acute or chronic pain * Participation in other trials within one week of study entry (four weeks in the case of pharmaceutical trials)
Where this trial is running
Aalborg
- Aalborg University — Aalborg, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Silvia Lo Vecchio, PhD
- Email: slv@hst.aau.dk
- Phone: +4521397785
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.