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Nocebo Effect

Meaning

The Nocebo Effect is a phenomenon where a patient experiences adverse side effects or a worsening of symptoms following the administration of an inert substance or treatment, purely due to negative expectations, conditioning, or belief. It is the negative counterpart to the well-known placebo effect, demonstrating the powerful and bidirectional influence of the patient’s psychological state on their physiological outcomes. In a clinical setting, understanding and mitigating the nocebo effect is critical for improving patient adherence and minimizing perceived side effects from necessary treatments, including hormone therapies.