This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the magnitude of nocebo effects (aggravated pain or itch due to negative treatment expectations) in 37 experimental studies on healthy humans. Meta-analyses showed moderate to large effect sizes (Hedges' g between 0.26 and 0.71), with combined conditioning and verbal suggestions yielding stronger pain nocebo responses. Subgroup analyses did not explain heterogeneity, and risk of bias was low. The study recommends more consistent experimental designs and reporting.
Publisher
Psychosomatic Medicine
Published On
May 01, 2023
Authors
Mia A Thomaidou, Joseph S Blythe, Kaya J Peerdeman, Antoinette I M Van Laarhoven, Myrthe M E Van Schothorst, Dieuwke S Veldhuijzen, Andrea W M Evers
Tags
nocebo effects
pain
itch
negative expectations
meta-analysis
experimental studies
healthy humans
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