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1056: Placebo & Nocebo Effects | Skeptical Sunday
The Jordan Harbinger Show
The Power of Expectations on Medication Effectiveness
Expectations significantly influence the effectiveness of medication, as demonstrated by a study where participants received a potent opioid painkiller infused under varying expectations. When informed that they received a painkiller, the medication provided optimal relief, showcasing how positive expectations can double its effectiveness. Conversely, when told they received something that would increase their pain, participants experienced a reduced effect, aligning with negative expectations that led to increased anxiety. Furthermore, in scenarios where no information was given, the medication's effectiveness was only half as potent as in the positive expectation scenario. This highlights the crucial role of psychological factors, such as belief in treatment, particularly for patients with chronic diseases who may be desperate or anxious, leading to diminished responses to medications meant to aid them.
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