HOnest Placebos With Explanations: Evaluating Open-Label Placebos for Chronic Pain

Optimizing Open Placebos for Chronic Pain Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of rationale condition when taking open-label placebos on pain by 1) comparing each rationale to the no rationale control condition and the no treatment control condition; and 2) comparing the rationale conditions to each other. We also aim to examine the effect of rationale condition on prescription opioid use by 1) comparing each rationale to the no rationale control condition and the no treatment control condition; and 2) comparing the rationale conditions to each other.

This study will include patients with chronic low back pain. The main question it aims to answer is:

How do rationales influence the effects of open-label placebos?

Researchers will compare different rationales given when taking an open-label placebo and a no-treatment group and a no rationale group taking OLPs.

Further information about study design and hypothesis is provided in the following citation. Study start date refers to the date the first participant completed baseline assessment.

Inclusion criteria are:

• chronic pain (pain lasting at least 3 months, pain intensity 4/10 or over and interference 3/10 or over)
• at least 18 years old
• English speaking
• have a smartphone or computer with video access
• the chronic pain is concentrated into the patient's lower back (tentative criteria based on recruitment rate)

Exclusion Criteria

• Have chronic pain because of a cancer diagnosis
• Over 89 years of age
• Suspect an allergy to any placebo ingredient
• Currently receiving worker's compensation.