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

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-89
SponsorRhode Island Hospital

About this trial

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.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

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

Disqualifiers

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.

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Open-label Placebo
  • Standard Rationale
  • Mindfulness
  • Control Rationale

Treatment groups

340 Participants
are divided into 4 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators