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. Our research explores the potential of the placebo effect to influence endocrine and immune systems in a targeted manner. We employ validated pharmacological conditioning paradigms to investigate this phenomenon across both healthy and clinical populations.

Projects

Pharmacological conditioning as an add-on treatment for recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis

In this project we create an add-on treatment based on pharmacological conditioning, that can be used to boost the effectiveness of standard treatments for recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

Pharmacological conditioning with S-ketamine for widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

This project investigates whether pharmacological conditioning with S-ketamine is effective in reducing pain in patients with fibromyalgia.

Pharmacological conditioning of glucose and insulin in healthy individuals and patients with diabetes type 2

This project investigates whether pharmacological conditioning with insulin affects metabolic responses in healthy volunteers and patient with type-2 diabetes.

Pharmacological conditioning of a hormonal cream in patients with psoriasis

This project investigates the effects of pharmacological conditioning with a hormonal cream on the symptoms of psoriasis.

Pharmacological conditioning of oxytocin responses in healthy volunteers

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.

Classical conditioning to improve immunotherapy in cancer

Can the conditioning paradigm be used for checkpoint inhibition cancer treatment?

Other themes

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.

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.

Placebo and nocebo effects in the immune and endocrine system

Projects

Pharmacological conditioning as an add-on treatment for recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis

Pharmacological conditioning with S-ketamine for widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Pharmacological conditioning of glucose and insulin in healthy individuals and patients with diabetes type 2

Pharmacological conditioning of a hormonal cream in patients with psoriasis

Pharmacological conditioning of oxytocin responses in healthy volunteers

Classical conditioning to improve immunotherapy in cancer

Other themes

Placebo and nocebo effects in physical symptoms

Placebo and nocebo effects in the brain

Placebo effects in children

Therapeutic interventions to maximize placebo and minimize nocebo effects

Communication and clinical education about placebo and nocebo effects