Nocebo effect

Nocebo Effect

The nocebo effect is a psychological phenomenon where negative expectations of the individual cause the outcome of a treatment to be worse than it would have been without the negative expectations. This is the opposite of the placebo effect, where positive expectations improve the outcome.

Definition

The term "nocebo" was coined by Walter Kennedy in 1961 to denote the negative counterpart of the beneficial placebo effect. The term is derived from the Latin nocebo, which means "I will harm".

Mechanism

The nocebo effect is believed to be caused by negative expectations and a belief that a treatment will not work. This can lead to increased anxiety, which can worsen the condition being treated. The nocebo effect can also be caused by negative suggestion from medical professionals, which can lead to the patient expecting a treatment to fail.

Examples

There are many examples of the nocebo effect in medical literature. For example, in clinical trials, patients who are told they may experience side effects are more likely to report experiencing those side effects, even if they are in the placebo group. Another example is the "white coat syndrome", where patients experience increased blood pressure in a medical setting due to anxiety.

Implications

The nocebo effect has important implications for medical practice. It suggests that the way in which healthcare professionals communicate with patients can significantly impact the outcome of treatment. It also highlights the importance of considering patients' beliefs and expectations when planning treatment.

See also

• Placebo
• Placebo effect
• Psychosomatic medicine
• Suggestion

External links

• The Nocebo Effect: A Clinical Perspective - article in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Research
• Can your mind really heal your body? - article on the BBC Future website

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