Placebo and nocebo effects in the brain

At IPS, we are dedicated to advancing the understanding of the brain mechanisms behind the placebo and nocebo effect. Through multiple neuroimaging studies, we aim to investigate the specific brain mechanisms involved in these effects as they relate to pain, itch, endocrine, and immune functions. Our research utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and employs a range of paradigms for inducing placebo and nocebo effects, including verbal suggestions, conditioning, and pharmacological conditioning. 

Projects

Brain mechanisms of oxytocin conditioning

In this research project, we aim to investigate whether it is possible to pharmacologically condition oxytocin responses in healthy individuals, and to identify the neural circuitry underlying such conditioning.

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Other themes

Placebo and nocebo effects in physical symptoms

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

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Placebo and nocebo effects in the immune and endocrine system

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.

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Placebo effects in children

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.

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Therapeutic interventions to maximize placebo and minimize nocebo effects

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. 

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Communication and clinical education about placebo and nocebo effects

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

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