Top Stories - Posted by Andy McGlashen-Michigan State on
Tuesday, December 4, 2012 12:27 - 0 Comments We tolerate pain
better when doctors listen MICHIGAN STATE (US) — When a doctor
shows empathy for patients, it can change the way the brain
responds to stress and pain. In a recent study, researchers
randomly assigned patients to one of two types of interview with
a doctor before undergoing an MRI scan. In the patient-centered
approach, doctors addressed any concerns participants had about
the procedure and asked open-ended questions allowing them to
talk freely about their jobs, home life, and other psychological
and social factors affecting health. Doctors who express empathy
can help their patients tolerate pain, according to research
using MRI brain scans. (Credit: G.L. Kohuth) Straight from the
Source The other patients were asked only specific questions
about clinical information such as their medical history and
what drugs they were taking. As expected, those who had the
patient-focused interview repor