Opioids Pain the Brain and Hyperkatifeia: A Framework for the Rational Use of Opioids for Pain

摘要

ObjectiveOpioids have relieved more human suffering than any other medication, but their use is still fraught with significant concerns of misuse, abuse, and addiction. This theoretical article explores the hypothesis that opioid misuse in the context of pain management produces a hypersensitivity to emotional distress, termed hyperkatifeia.