Which term refers to abnormally heightened sensitivity to pain?

Which term refers to abnormally heightened sensitivity to pain?

• A. Dysphoria
• B. Anhedonia
• C. Hyperalgesia
• D. Anorexia

Answer: (C)

The concept here is how we name an increased pain response. Hyperalgesia describes an abnormally heightened sensitivity to pain, meaning a normally painful stimulus feels more painful, or the pain threshold is lowered. This can arise from inflammation or nerve sensitization, either at the site of injury (primary hyperalgesia) or in surrounding areas (secondary hyperalgesia), reflecting changes in the nervous system that amplify pain signals. The other terms refer to mood or appetite rather than pain perception: dysphoria is a generalized feeling of unease or dissatisfaction, anhedonia is a diminished ability to experience pleasure, and anorexia is loss of appetite.

The concept here is how we name an increased pain response. Hyperalgesia describes an abnormally heightened sensitivity to pain, meaning a normally painful stimulus feels more painful, or the pain threshold is lowered. This can arise from inflammation or nerve sensitization, either at the site of injury (primary hyperalgesia) or in surrounding areas (secondary hyperalgesia), reflecting changes in the nervous system that amplify pain signals.

The other terms refer to mood or appetite rather than pain perception: dysphoria is a generalized feeling of unease or dissatisfaction, anhedonia is a diminished ability to experience pleasure, and anorexia is loss of appetite.