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gordonjames62 t1_j6f067j wrote

The study here is interesting, but not conclusive. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31001155/


We tested this hypothesis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment.

Specifically, we administered 1,000 mg acetaminophen or a placebo and measured effects on different measures of positive empathy while participants read scenarios about the uplifting experiences of other people.

Results showed that acetaminophen reduced personal pleasure and other-directed empathic feelings in response to these scenarios.

In contrast, effects on perceived positivity of the described experiences or perceived pleasure in scenario protagonists were not significant.

These findings suggest that (1) acetaminophen reduces affective reactivity to other people's positive experiences and (2) the experience of physical pain and positive empathy may have a more similar neurochemical basis than previously assumed.

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