A Review of the Theoretical and Biological Understanding of the Nocebo and Placebo Phenomena

S Dodd; OM Dean; J Vian; M Berk

Journal article

A Review of the Theoretical and Biological Understanding of the Nocebo and Placebo Phenomena

S Dodd, OM Dean, J Vian, M Berk

Clinical Therapeutics | ELSEVIER | Published : 2017

DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.01.010

Abstract

Purpose Placebos are commonly used in experimental and patient populations and are known to influence treatment outcomes. The mechanism of action of placebos has been investigated by several researchers. This review investigates the current knowledge regarding the theoretical and biological underpinning of the nocebo and placebo phenomena. Method Literature was searched using PubMed using the following keywords: nocebo, placebo, μ-opioid, dopamine, conditioning, and expectancy. Relevant papers were selected for review by the authors. Findings The roles of conditioning and expectancy, and characteristics associated with nocebo and placebo responses, are discussed. These factors affect nocebo ..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Michael Berk Author

Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Principal Research Fellowship

Funding Acknowledgements

Michael Berk is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Principal Research Fellowship 1059660. All authors contributed to preparing the paper and gave final consent for publication. SD wrote the first draft. OMD and MB extended the draft and edited the full manuscript. JV prepared the figure and edited the full manuscript.