The nocebo effect is real, just like the placebo effect. Both words are very similar, and it is that they really exist and are scientifically proven. The mind can make us believe something that really isn't, so much so that it can ruin a treatment, and that's where the nocebo effect comes in.
Surely we do not know what the nocebo effect is, and that is that the word itself already indicates something related to harmful, and we are not very misguided. It is about the dark side of the placebo effect, that effect that we all know and that makes us believe that the medicine is working and is curing us when in fact we may be taking homeopathy. This effect is real and it is more than proven, since the same thing happens with the nocebo.
It is a very unknown effect, but it does exist. In addition, throughout this text we will understand what it is, when it occurs, and which patient profile is more prone to nocebo.
What is
In a few words, this effect is something mental and it is an early rejection of a treatment, be it fear, revulsion, anxiety, something that blocks the beneficial effects of the treatment and makes us feel that the treatment is not working.
The exact mechanisms by which we develop this effect are not known, but as far as scientific evidence has come, it blames the patient for his negative predisposition and believing the idea (in advance) that it will not work. Normally it is based on previous experiences, direct or indirect.
The nocebo effect is not only an idea that we create ourselves, but it can also be induced by how medical professionals communicate with us. Instead of pointing out the positive, point out the negative, and the patient can cling to that information out of fear and develop the nocebo effect.
Similarities and differences
We already know what the nocebo effect is, and we are more or less clear about what the placebo effect is, but to get into the subject, we are going to explain it anyway and then we will see what differences there are between one and the other, although we have already given some clue, and it is that the nocebo effect is the dark side of the placebo.
The placebo effect is when a patient takes a medication that perhaps does not have a curative action, so the state of the disease should not change, but, nevertheless, the patient is convinced that it will cure him and is helping him to improve. .
It is a demonstrated psychological stimulus induced after the administration of a drug, medicament or inert substance. If the patient is convinced that it is useful, it will be, hence the nocebo effect is the opposite, as we have already seen.
Regarding the differences, we already know that the nocebo effect is when a patient has negative stimuli towards a treatment and these influence the healing process, while the placebo effect is to awaken positive psychological stimuli, even if homeopathy or some inert substance that is useless is being taken.
Both act on the same brain area and both influence psychological factors, genetic, cultural and biological mechanisms. However, in the nocebo effect the low knowledge of the patients, their expectations, previous experience, their weaknesses, if they suffer from a mental disorder (depression or anxiety), etc. come into play.
While the placebo effect is not closely identified with one gender, the nocebo is usually more common in women and tends to be pessimistic. In addition, communication between patient and doctor can open the gap of the nocebo effect.
Is this effect useful?
To be honest, it does not have any positive effect, but this type of circumstance is beneficial for medical studies and knowing the patient will allow the medical professional to detect these negative intentions in time and be able to redirect the situation. Some clues are:
- Emphasize adverse effects.
- Have read the prospectus.
- News read in unofficial communication doctors about that disease or treatment.
- Discussion forums.
- Images from the Internet and social networks.
- Lots of negativity.
- Lack of concrete explanation.
Science warns that there are a series of risk factors that make patients more likely to develop these psychological stimuli and more or less fit this profile of patient or patient:
- Women.
- Pessimistic personality or prone to negativity.
- Depressive or anxiety disorders.
- Cultural and religious beliefs.
- Little confidence in the doctor.
- Fears and incongruous explanations.
- Verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Negative expectations.
- Suggestion.
How to avoid the nocebo effect
This work is up to medical professionals, but we can also do it with our friend, partner or family member. We are going to see the main aspects to reduce the chances of the nocebo effect making an appearance in our lives:
- It is necessary to be informed well, in depth, without being left with doubts about the disease we suffer from and its treatment, as well as the possible adverse effects. The staff who are explaining must make sure that everything is being understood and whoever is listening has not been left alone with the negative part.
- The expectations. In life, expectations do a lot of damage, so if we are in the middle of a treatment, we must be realistic, but without falling into pessimism. We have to be aware of the adverse effects and possible failures in previous treatments, but avoid falling into low expectations, and also avoiding high ones, so that, in the event of failure, the damage is not greater.
- The possible Adverse effects They must always be shown with reality, but care must be taken with the language and the way in which they communicate, since the vast majority of patients accept and tolerate the treatment without suffering adverse effects, so there is no need to paint black and create fears and indecisions that give rise to the nocebo effect.
- The relationship between the patient and the doctor must be positive, clear, direct, fluid, to avoid mistrust, fear and the like. You have to empathize and talk about changes, opinions, decisions, advice, etc.