Pain and Schizophrenia

Pain and Schizophrenia

The aim of the investigators project is to explore the mechanisms of pain insensitivity in patients with schizophrenia, in order to prevent its invalidating consequences. The investigators will couple methods of experimental psychology with EEG and blood samplings, in order to distinguish the role of non-painful perception, attention, aversive effects, and pain expression, and the investigators will explore an original neurobiological hypothesis regarding the activation of opioid receptors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with schizophrenia (criteria DSM IV) or healthy controls matched with patients on age, sex and education level
• 18-55 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Past history affecting CNS
• Intake of psychotropic drugs, except for patients
• Metabolic disorder affecting sensory processing (diabetes)
• Intake of benzodiazepines