The Dissenter

#1111 Charlotte Blease - The Nocebo Effect: When Words Make You Sick

Jun 16, 2025
Charlotte Blease, an interdisciplinary health researcher at Uppsala University and Harvard, discusses the intriguing nocebo effect, where negative expectations can lead to real health declines. She distinguishes it from the placebo effect, emphasizing the role of clinician communication in shaping patient outcomes. The conversation touches on the nocebo implications in psychotherapy and vaccine communications, revealing how expectations can skew perceived side effects. Blease also explores the potential of AI in enhancing patient care while addressing the psychological challenges faced by doctors today.
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INSIGHT

Placebo Effect Explained

  • The placebo effect occurs when patients' expectations cause real positive health benefits. - Placebos in trials mimic treatments without active ingredients to isolate true treatment effects.
INSIGHT

Ethical Tension in Nocebo Effects

  • Nocebo effects raise ethical questions about truthful information vs causing harm. - Balancing honesty about risks and avoiding harm is a core challenge in healthcare ethics.
INSIGHT

Nocebo Psychological Mechanisms

  • Psychological mechanisms of nocebo effects are linked to expectancies but lack clear detailed explanation. - Understanding the underlying neurobiological and cognitive processes remains an open research area.
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