nocebo effect

noun

: the development of adverse side effects or worsening in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to medical treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used
With a nocebo effect, if test subjects believe there may be side effects, they often experience them. Again, expectations shape reality.Sanjay Gupta

Examples of nocebo effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The data clearly indicated that a nocebo effect was occurring – in other words, participants were experiencing an entirely psychological phenomenon in which a harmless substance causes a harmful effect. Elsbeth Sites, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2014 The relevance of the nocebo effect is not limited to clinical trials. Guest Blogger, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2012 Or a nocebo effect when expectations make people feel worse rather than better. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2010 The placebo effect also has a shadowy twin: the nocebo effect. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2017 The nocebo effect is another important aspect of mindset. Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Scientific American, 7 Dec. 2022 Marino, who watched the video, told the San Diego Union-Tribune a nocebo effect could explain Faiivae's reaction since his symptoms did not suggest an overdose. Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 25 Aug. 2021 The psychology of myalgias involves the nocebo effect, the flip side of the placebo effect. Richard Klasco, New York Times, 1 June 2018 The researchers also pinpointed areas of the brain that seemed to be involved in the nocebo effect overall. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 9 Oct. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nocebo effect was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near nocebo effect

Cite this Entry

“Nocebo effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nocebo%20effect. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

nocebo effect

noun
: the development of adverse side effects or worsening in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to medical treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used
With a nocebo effect, if test subjects believe there may be side effects, they often experience them. Again, expectations shape reality.Sanjay Gupta, Chasing Life: New Discoveries In The Search For Immortality …
The placebo effect has an evil twin: the nocebo effect, in which dummy pills and negative expectations can produce harmful effects.Helen Pilcher, New Scientist
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