Chapter
The Science of the Nocebo Effect
18:41 - 23:49 (05:08)
Researchers have found that a chemical is released during the nocebo effect, and blocking it can also block the effect, preventing someone from experiencing pain even in the absence of any physical cause.
Clips
The nocebo effect is the opposite of the placebo effect, meaning that negative expectations or beliefs can actually cause harm.
18:41 - 21:29 (02:47)
Summary
The nocebo effect is the opposite of the placebo effect, meaning that negative expectations or beliefs can actually cause harm. The mind can convince the body to experience pain or negative symptoms even when given a harmless substance, and researchers have studied this phenomenon and even isolated the chemical responsible for it.
ChapterThe Science of the Nocebo Effect
EpisodeSelects: What Is Collective Hysteria?
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Cola-cystokinin, a hormone that helps experience pain, is actually a factor in the nocebo effect.
21:29 - 22:20 (00:50)
Summary
Cola-cystokinin, a hormone that helps experience pain, is actually a factor in the nocebo effect. When this hormone is blocked, it can also block the nocebo effect and hypersensitivity to pain.
ChapterThe Science of the Nocebo Effect
EpisodeSelects: What Is Collective Hysteria?
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The nocebo effect occurs when someone expects or believes that something will harm them, and their expectation of harm actually brings about the harm.
22:20 - 23:49 (01:29)
Summary
The nocebo effect occurs when someone expects or believes that something will harm them, and their expectation of harm actually brings about the harm. A study conducted on people who had just come out of surgery found that if given an injection and told that this injection would increase their pain, they reported an increase in pain even if the injection was just saline.