Nocebo Effect
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
A nocebo effect is said to occur when a patient's expectations for a treatment cause the treatment to have a worse effect than it otherwise would have. For example, when a patient anticipates a side effect of a medication, they can experience that effect even if the "medication" is actually an inert substance. The complementary concept, the placebo effect, is said to occur when expectations improve outcomes.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
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A nocebo effect is said to occur when a patient's expectations for a treatment cause the treatment to have a worse effect than it otherwise would have. For example, when a patient anticipates a side effect of a medication, they can experience that effect even if the "medication" is actually an inert substance.
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Opposite of placebo: real negative symptoms arise solely from the expectation of worsening or harm, a psychophysiological mechanism where belief leads to harm.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noceboverified
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