The present invention relates to compositions which inhibit the binding of nerve growth factor to the p75.sup.NTR common neurotrophin receptor and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the compound which inhibits binding of nerve growth factor to p75.sup.NTR comprises, particularly when bound to nerve growth factor, at least two of the following: (1) a first electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys.sup.34 of nerve growth factor; (2) a second electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys.sup.95 of nerve growth factor; (3) a third electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys.sup.88 of nerve growth factor; (4) a fourth electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys.sup.32 of nerve growth factor; and (5) a hydrophobic moiety which interacts with the hydrophobic region formed by Ile.sup.31, Phe.sup.101 and Phe.sup.86 of nerve growth factor.