Themes and Projects

At IPS, we investigate the placebo effect from multiple perspectives. Our team conducts basic laboratory research on the mechanisms of placebo and nocebo effects, as well as studies psychological and physiological aspects of it. We explore clinical applications of the placebo effect in both healthy volunteers and clinical populations, and collaborate on several projects exploring animal models of the placebo effect. Additionally, we have ongoing projects aimed at developing training and educational tools for clinicians to help them implement their knowledge about the placebo effect into their practice.

Placebo and nocebo effect have been shown to affect a wide range of physical symptoms: pain, itch, breathlessness.

At IPS, we are dedicated to advancing the understanding of the brain mechanisms behind the placebo and nocebo effect.

Expectancies have been shown to affect not only self-reported outcomes, such as pain and itch, but also physiological markers such as endocrine and immune responses.

Research is often done with adult volunteers. This is also true for research on how placebo and nocebo effects influence medical conditions and symptoms, and wellbeing.

Basic research generates a lot of knowledge on how placebo and nocebo effects work. At IPS we strive to translate this knowledge into feasible and easy to apply clinical applications and therapeutic interventions for people with chronic medical complaints or health conditions.

The words and the behaviour of a healthcare professional can determine much of a treatment’s success.

Themes and Projects

Placebo and nocebo effects in physical symptoms

Placebo and nocebo effects in the brain

Placebo and nocebo effects in the immune and endocrine system

Placebo effects in children

Therapeutic interventions to maximize placebo and minimize nocebo effects

Communication and clinical education about placebo and nocebo effects