Nocebo effect
Nocebo Effect
The Nocebo Effect (pronounced noh-SEE-boh) is a psychological phenomenon where negative expectations of the individual cause the proposed medical treatment or intervention to have a more negative effect than it otherwise would.
Etymology
The term "nocebo" (Latin for "I will harm") was first used by Walter Kennedy in 1961 to denote the negative counterpart of the placebo effect.
Definition
The Nocebo Effect is a negative psychosomatic response, often including worsening of symptoms, triggered not by any property of the treatment itself, but by the patient's negative expectations, fears, or anxieties regarding the treatment.
Mechanism
The exact mechanism of the Nocebo Effect is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to the individual's psychological state and expectations. The brain's natural pain and stress management systems, including the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, may play a role.
Related Terms
- Placebo Effect: The positive counterpart to the Nocebo Effect, where positive expectations improve the outcome of a treatment.
- Psychosomatic Medicine: A field of medicine exploring the influence of mental factors on physical health.
- Hypochondria: A condition where a person is excessively worried about having a serious illness, despite medical reassurances.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nocebo effect
- Wikipedia's article - Nocebo effect
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