title: Brain sensitization to external and internal stimuli.
abstract: Sensitization is defined as a non-associative learning process occurring when repeated administrations of a stimulus result in a progressive amplification of a response (Shettleworth, 2010). The purpose of this review paper is to discuss whether brain sensitization is helpful in common health problems in man. The paper reviews data on brain sensitization covering increased behavioral, physiological, cognitive, and emotional responses in man and animals. The paper concludes that brain sensitization may be a helpful concept to understand subjective and "unexplained" health complaints (nonspecific muscle pain, mood changes, fatigue, and gastrointestinal complaints), and, therefore, relevant for evidence based treatment and prevention of these common health problems.
authors.affiliation: University of Bergen, Uni Health, Krinkelkroken 1, Bergen 5009, Norway. Electronic address: holger.ursin@uni.no.
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ursin
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D059333:Central Nervous System Sensitization / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Cognitive activation theory of stress; Cognitive behavior treatment; Comorbidity; Sensitization; Subjective health complaints; Unspecific illness