Ibuprofen Effective in Reducing Emotional Pain in Women: Researchers

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen can reduce emotional pain in women, but not in men, a new study shows.

The study, conducted by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin's Moody College of Communication, shows that ibuprofen can be used to treat hurt feelings.

The idea that pain relievers can reduce emotional pain isn't a new one. The present study shows that there is a gender difference in how these drugs work. The researchers found that over-the counter pain relievers can reduce emotional pain in women.

"Hurt feelings are a part of any close relationship, so learning how to think and talk about the social pain we experience in our relationships is important," said Anita L. Vangelisti at The University of Texas at Austin's Moody College of Communication. "Understanding differences in the way women and men deal with their hurt feelings could go a long way toward helping couples cope with these feelings in their romantic and marital relationships."

Ibuprofen is used to relieve moderate pain and fevers. The drug belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs and works by lowering the levels of a compound that causes pain and inflammation.

The present study was based on a small set of 138 students of whom 76 were women. Participants had to answer several questionnaires. Later, about half of them were given 400 mg of ibuprofen, while the rest were on placebo.

Participants underwent a series of experiments. In one of them, individuals were asked to play "Cyberball", a virtual ball-tossing game on computers. The participants were socially excluded during the game and were later asked to rate their emotions.

In another test, participants were asked to give a detailed account of a situation where they felt physical pain and one where they were betrayed by someone. Test takers were again asked to rate their emotions when they recalled these events.

"It's possible that taking physical pain relievers provides men with more cognitive resources to express the pain they feel," said Vangelisti in a news release. "There's some evidence that, for men, the part of the brain that enables them to regulate their emotions is linked to the part of the brain that processes physical and social pain. If that's the case, taking a physical pain reliever may affect men's ability to hide or suppress their social pain."

The study is published in the journal Personal Relationships.

Please consult a physician before taking any medication. Long-term use of ibuprofen is linked to a higher risk of stroke and even a higher early death risk. NSAIDs are also known to cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine, according to Medline Plus.