Sensitization is a research area within psychology and neuroscience that focuses on how repeated exposure to a stimulus can lead to an increased response or sensitivity to that stimulus over time. This phenomenon is often studied in the context of drug addiction, where individuals may become sensitized to the effects of a drug after repeated use, leading to increased cravings and a heightened risk of relapse. Sensitization can also occur in response to other stimuli, such as stress or trauma, and can have significant implications for understanding and treating various mental health disorders. Researchers in this area seek to better understand the underlying mechanisms of sensitization and develop interventions to mitigate its negative effects.