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Chen B, Goldstein N, Dziubek J, Sundai A, Zhao S, Harrahill A, Choi S, Prevosto V, Wang F. Reverse-engineering placebo analgesia. Curr Biol 2024; 34:4261-4271.e5. [PMID: 39241777 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Placebo analgesia is a widely observed clinical phenomenon. Establishing a robust mouse model of placebo analgesia is needed for careful dissection of the underpinning circuit mechanisms. However, previous studies failed to observe consistent placebo effects in rodent models of chronic pain. We wondered whether strong placebo analgesia can be reverse engineered using general-anesthesia-activated neurons in the central amygdala (CeAGA) that can potently suppress pain. Indeed, in both acute and chronic pain models, pairing a context with CeAGA-mediated pain relief produced robust context-dependent analgesia, exceeding that produced by morphine in the same paradigm. CeAGA neurons receive monosynaptic inputs from temporal lobe areas that could potentially relay contextual cues directly to CeAGA neurons. However, in vivo imaging showed that CeAGA neurons were not reactivated in the conditioned context, despite mice displaying a strong analgesic phenotype. This finding suggests that the placebo-context-induced pain relief engages circuits beyond CeAGA neurons and relies on plasticity in other analgesic and/or nociceptive circuits. Our results show that conditioning with the activation of a central pain-suppressing circuit is sufficient to engineer placebo analgesia and that purposefully linking a context with an active treatment could be a means to harness the power of placebo for pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Chen
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nitsan Goldstein
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Julia Dziubek
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Akili Sundai
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Shengli Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, 311 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Andrew Harrahill
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Seonmi Choi
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vincent Prevosto
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Fan Wang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Schaefer M, Kühnel A, Enge S. Open-label placebos reduce weight in obesity: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21311. [PMID: 39266589 PMCID: PMC11392943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69866-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. Different approaches are known to face this problem, for example, dieting, surgery, or drug interventions. It has also been shown that placebos may help to reduce weight and hunger feelings, but the use of placebos is linked to problems with respect to the patient-healthcare-provider relationship. However, recent studies demonstrated that even placebos without deception (open-label placebos) affect symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or emotional distress. Here we aimed to examine whether an open-label placebo may help to lose weight in obesity. Our study included fifty-seven overweight and obese patients who aimed to lose weight using a combination of diet and sports. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Participants in the open-label placebo group received two placebos each day. A treatment-as-usual group received no pills. Primary outcome included changes of body weight. Secondary outcomes were change of eating behavior and self-management abilities. After 4 weeks we found that participants in the open-label placebo condition lost more weight than the treatment-as-usual group. Furthermore, OLP treatment affected eating behavior. No effects for self-management abilities were found. Although further research is necessary, open-label placebos might help individuals to lose weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schaefer
- MSB Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Str. 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Anja Kühnel
- MSB Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Str. 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sören Enge
- MSB Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Str. 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Haji S, Sako W, Murakami N, Osaki Y, Izumi Y. Factors associated with a placebo effect in Parkinson's disease in clinical trials: a meta-analysis. J Neurol 2024; 271:5825-5837. [PMID: 38955829 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12529-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Outcomes of clinical trials of treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may be influenced by placebo effects. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with placebo effects in Parkinson's disease (PD) for guidance with design of future clinical trials. METHODS Factors associated with placebo effects in PD were examined in a meta-analysis using a random effects model with pooling of placebo effects on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS III) or Movement Disorder Society sponsored revision of UPDRS III (MDS-UPDRS III). The following prespecified variables were included in the analyses: with or without drug at baseline, with or without a placebo run-in phase, with or without motor fluctuation, published year, number of study sites, placebo administration period, age, sex, disease duration, and daily levodopa dose. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and adjusted using the trim-and-fill method. RESULTS Thirty-eight articles with a total of 4828 subjects satisfied the inclusion criteria. There was a significant placebo effect using UPDRS III or MDS-UPDRS III (SMD = - 0.25; 95% CI - 0.35 to - 0.14; p < 0.001, I2 = 92%). Subgroup and/or multivariate meta-regression analyses revealed that placebo effects were associated with advanced PD (p = 0.04), drug exposure at baseline (p < 0.001), placebo administration period (p < 0.001), and disease duration (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study are important as guidance in design of future clinical trials in which the influence of placebo effects is minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shotaro Haji
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Wataru Sako
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan.
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
| | - Nagahisa Murakami
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Shinko Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yusuke Osaki
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuishin Izumi
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
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Rief W, Wilhelm M. Nocebo and Placebo Effects and Their Implications in Psychotherapy. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2024:1-6. [PMID: 39217983 DOI: 10.1159/000540791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Rief
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Wilhelm
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany,
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Lopes A, Sampaio R, Tavares I. Pain, mindfulness, and placebo: a systematic review. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1432270. [PMID: 39267814 PMCID: PMC11390565 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1432270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pain is a complex phenomenon influenced by psychosocial variables, including the placebo effect. The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for pain has been demonstrated in experimental studies and systematic reviews, but the mechanisms of action are only starting to be established. Whether the expectations of individuals experiencing pain can be manipulated during MBIs remains to be systematically evaluated, and what role placebo effects might play remains to be explored. Methods To evaluate the literature analyzing placebo effects in MBIs for pain, we performed a systematic review based on searches conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Our search revealed a total of 272 studies, of which only 19 studies were included (10 acute pain and nine chronic pain), considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria related to expectations and placebo effects. Results From the 19 included studies, six measured placebo effects only in relation to the pharmacological intervention used in the study and not to an MBI. Discussion The results of the few studies that focused on the placebo effects of the MBIs indicate that placebo and expectations play a role in the MBIs' effects on pain. Although expectations and placebo effects are frequently discussed in the context of mindfulness and pain research, these results show that these factors are still not routinely considered in experimental designs. However, the results of the few studies included in this systematic review highlight a clear role for placebo and expectancy effects in the overall effects of MBIs for both acute and chronic pain, suggesting that routine measurement and further consideration in future studies are warranted. Additional research in this fascinating and challenging field is necessary to fully understand the connection between MBIs, placebo/expectations, and their effects on pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lopes
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute Sampaio
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS-Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaura Tavares
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC-Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- I3S-Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Tobinick E, Ucci D, Bermudo K, Asseraf S. Perispinal etanercept stroke trial design: PESTO and beyond. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39177653 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2390636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perispinal etanercept (PSE) is an innovative treatment designed to improve stroke recovery by addressing chronic post-stroke neuroinflammation. Basic science evidence, randomized clinical trial (RCT) evidence and 14 years of favorable clinical experience support the use of PSE to treat chronic stroke. This article provides guidance for the design of future PSE RCTs in accordance with current FDA recommendations. AREAS COVERED Scientific background and essential elements of PSE RCT design. EXPERT OPINION Intimate familiarity with PSE, its novel method of drug delivery, and the characteristics of ideal enriched study populations are necessary for those designing future PSE stroke trials. The design elements needed to enable a PSE RCT to generate valid results include a suitable research question; a homogeneous study population selected using a prospective enrichment strategy; a primary outcome measure responsive to the neurological improvements that result from PSE; trialists with expertise in perispinal delivery; optimal etanercept dosing; and steps taken to minimize the number of placebo responders. RCTs failing to incorporate these elements, such as the PESTO trial, are incapable of reaching reliable conclusions regarding PSE efficacy. SF-36 has not been validated in PSE trials and is unsuitable for use as a primary outcome measure in PSE RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle Ucci
- Institute of Neurological Recovery, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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Li J, Xiao C, Li T, Duan Y, Jiang Y, Shi L, Hong X, Geng W, Hu J, Wang Y, Dai B, Cao J, Wei J. Treatment expectations of patients and clinicians: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1447405. [PMID: 39238937 PMCID: PMC11374636 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1447405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Understanding treatment expectations of patients and their clinicians is of great importance in improving personalized medical services and enhancing patient safety systems. Objective To investigate treatment expectations of patients and their clinicians and compare differences between both, by using a pair of validated structured assessment tools covering three key aspects/dimensions of clinical interests. Design setting and participants This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in China. The study enrolled patients aged 16 years and older receiving inpatient care and their clinicians. Patient recruitment was conducted from March 2023 to November 2023. Assessments In addition to demographic and clinical characteristics, this study employed two validated structured assessment tools to evaluate treatment expectations among patients and their clinicians: the Hospitalized Patients' Expectations for Treatment Scale-Patient version (HOPE-P) and its counterpart, the Hospitalized Patients' Expectations for Treatment Scale-Clinician version (HOPE-C). Results A total of 233 patients (mean [SD] age, 52.3 [15.1] years; 108 [46.4%] female) along with their clinicians, who numbered 75 in total were enrolled in this study. The distribution of total scores for HOPE-P and HOPE-C displayed similar patterns, with most scores concentrated in the higher range (above 50% of the full score). The mean HOPE-P total score was higher than that of HOPE-C (mean [SD] score, 38.78 [4.86] vs 37.49 [4.32]; t = 3.12, P = 0.002). In Dimension 2, the HOPE-P score was higher than HOPE-C (23.67 [3.20] vs 21.72 [3.03]; t = 6.98, P < 0.001). However, in Dimensions 1 and 3, HOPE-P scored lower than HOPE-C (13.37 [2.44] vs 13.84 [1.73]; t = -2.384, P < 0.018; 1.74 [1.14] vs 1.94 [1.00]; t = -2.00, P = 0.047). Certain demographic and clinical characteristics led to variations in patients' treatment expectations, including marital status, monthly family income, and smoking history. Conclusions and relevance This cross-sectional study revealed significant differences between patients' and doctors' treatment expectations. Notably, it highlighted the need for clinicians to focus on rationalizing patients' expectations concerning treatment outcomes. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier ChiCTR2300075262.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Li
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chunfeng Xiao
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Duan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yinan Jiang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Shi
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Hong
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqi Geng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Hu
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bindong Dai
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinya Cao
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Wiech K, Hartmann H, Bingel U. Side-effects are often a curse. Can they also be a blessing? Brain 2024; 147:2598-2600. [PMID: 38987234 PMCID: PMC11292902 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This scientific commentary refers to ‘How side effects can improve treatment efficacy: a randomized trial’ by Schenk et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae132).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Wiech
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Helena Hartmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Oo WM. Prospects of Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2024; 50:483-518. [PMID: 38942581 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) causes a massive disease burden with a global prevalence of nearly 23% in 2020 and an unmet need for adequate treatment, given a lack of disease-modifying drugs (DMOADs). The author reviews the prospects of active DMOAD candidates in the phase 2/3 clinical trials of drug development pipeline based on key OA pathogenetic mechanisms directed to inflammation-driven, bone-driven, and cartilage-driven endotypes. The challenges and possible research opportunities are stated in terms of the formulation of a research question known as the PICO approach: (1) population, (2) interventions, (3) comparison or placebo, and (4) outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Min Oo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mandalay General Hospital, University of Medicine, Mandalay, Mandalay, Myanmar; Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Cakir F, Gercek H, Ozturk S, Kuru Colak T, Sari Z, Polat MG. The Treatment Expectation Questionnaire Tool: A Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation in Turkey. Eval Health Prof 2024:1632787241268211. [PMID: 39056487 DOI: 10.1177/01632787241268211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Patients' general treatment expectations are an important indicator of the outcomes of the various treatments they will receive. There is a need for valid and reliable assessment tools that measure the expectations of patients receiving rehabilitation services. This study aimed to translate and validate the Treatment Expectations Questionnaire (TR.TEX-Q) in Turkish patients to assess their treatment-specific expectations. 150 physiotherapy patients were enrolled in the study. The original version of the Treatment Expectation Questionnaire was translated into Turkish. Cronbach's α was used to investigate internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess test-retest reliability. Pearsons's correlation was used to calculate convergent and divergent validity. Principal component analysis produced a 15-items scale which had a 6-factors structure. Cronbach's α values ranged from .649 to .879. Test-retest reliability was high for total score and for all subscales. The ICC was between .622 and .852, p < .001. TR.TEX-Q showed good convergent validity, a moderate correlation was found between the Positivity Scale (rho = .45, p < .001). For divergent validity, low to moderate correlation was found between the TR.TEX-Q and the HADS scores. The Turkish version of Treatment Expectation Questionnaire has good reliability and validity data in terms of evaluating the treatment expectations of patients who will receive physiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furkan Cakir
- Institute of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Doctorate Programme, Marmara University, Turkey
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey
| | - Hasan Gercek
- Institute of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Doctorate Programme, Marmara University, Turkey
- Vocational School of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Programme, KTO Karatay University, Turkey
| | - Sergen Ozturk
- Institute of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Doctorate Programme, Marmara University, Turkey
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Acıbadem University, Turkey
| | - Tugba Kuru Colak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University, Turkey
| | - Zubeyir Sari
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University, Turkey
| | - Mine Gulden Polat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University, Turkey
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Wessels J, Klinger R, Benson S, Brenner T, Zöllner C, Elsenbruch S, Aulenkamp JL. Preoperative Anxiolysis and Treatment Expectation (PATE Trial): open-label placebo treatment to reduce preoperative anxiety in female patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery - study protocol for a bicentric, prospective, randomized-controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1396562. [PMID: 39045553 PMCID: PMC11265268 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1396562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most common concerns of patients undergoing surgery is preoperative anxiety, with a prevalence of up to 48%. The effects of preoperative anxiety continue beyond the preoperative period and are associated with more severe postoperative pain and poorer treatment outcomes. Treatment options for preoperative anxiety are often limited as sedatives cause side effects and their efficacy remains controversial. Placebo research has shown that optimization of positive treatment expectations, as can be achieved through placebo administration and education, has clinically relevant effects on preoperative anxiety, pain and treatment outcomes. As the administration of masked placebos raises ethical questions, clinical studies have increasingly focused on the use of open, non-deceptive placebo administration (open-label placebo, OLP). The use of OLPs to reduce preoperative anxiety and modify clinically relevant postoperative outcomes has not yet been investigated. This bicentric, prospective, randomized-controlled clinical trial (PATE Trial; German Registry for Clinical Studies DRKS00033221), an associated project of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 289 "Treatment Expectation", aims to alleviate preoperative anxiety by optimizing positive treatment expectations facilitated by OLP. Furthermore, this study examines a potential enhancement of these effects through aspects of observational learning, operationalized by a positive expectation-enhancing video. In addition, patient's perspective on the self-efficacy and appropriateness of OLPs prior to surgery will be assessed. To achieve these objectives, female patients will be randomized into three groups before undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery. One group receives the OLP with a positive rationale conveyed by a study physician. A second group receives the same intervention, OLP administration and rationale provided by a physician, and additionally watches a video on OLP presenting a satisfied patient. A third group receives standard treatment as usual (TAU). Outcome measures will be effects on preoperative anxiety and postoperative experience, particularly visceral and somatic postoperative pain. As the non-deceptive administration of placebos; when indicated; may yield positive outcomes without side effects, and as current treatment of preoperative anxiety is limited, evidence from clinical placebo research has the potential to improve outcomes and patient experience in the surgical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Wessels
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Regine Klinger
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Benson
- Institute for Medical Education, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Brenner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Zöllner
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Elsenbruch
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jana L. Aulenkamp
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M, Engler H, Sungur AÖ, Schedlowski M. Behaviorally conditioned effects of psychoactive drugs in experimental animals: What we have learned from nearly a century of research and what remains to be learned. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105721. [PMID: 38754716 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Continuous treatment with drugs is a crucial requirement for managing various clinical conditions, including chronic pain and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. Associative learning processes, i.e. Pavlovian conditioning, can play an important role for the effects of drugs and could open new avenues for optimizing patient treatment. In this narrative literature review, we summarize available data in experimental animals regarding the behaviorally conditioned effects of psychostimulants such as d-amphetamine and cocaine, the dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine, the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol, morphine and antidepressant drugs. In each section, the drug under discussion is briefly introduced, followed by a detailed examination of conditioning features, including doses and dosing regimens, characteristics of the conditioning process such as test environments or specific conditioned stimuli, testing and conditioned response characteristics, possible extinction or reconditioning or reversal training, neural mechanisms, and finally, the potential clinical relevance of the research area related to the drug. We focus on key outcomes, delve into methodical issues, identify gaps in current knowledge, and suggest future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer K W Schwarting
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Marburg D-35032, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Marburg D-35032, Germany; KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Leuven B-3000, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Harald Engler
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Center for Translational Neuro-, and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen D-45147, Germany
| | - A Özge Sungur
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Marburg D-35032, Germany; KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Leuven B-3000, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Center for Translational Neuro-, and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen D-45147, Germany; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
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13
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Prompiengchai S, Dunlop K. Breakthroughs and challenges for generating brain network-based biomarkers of treatment response in depression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01907-1. [PMID: 38951585 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Treatment outcomes widely vary for individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder, implicating a need for deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms conferring a greater likelihood of response to a particular treatment. Our improved understanding of intrinsic brain networks underlying depression psychopathology via magnetic resonance imaging and other neuroimaging modalities has helped reveal novel and potentially clinically meaningful biological markers of response. And while we have made considerable progress in identifying such biomarkers over the last decade, particularly with larger, multisite trials, there are significant methodological and practical obstacles that need to be overcome to translate these markers into the clinic. The aim of this review is to review current literature on brain network structural and functional biomarkers of treatment response or selection in depression, with a specific focus on recent large, multisite trials reporting predictive accuracy of candidate biomarkers. Regarding pharmaco- and psychotherapy, we discuss candidate biomarkers, reporting that while we have identified candidate biomarkers of response to a single intervention, we need more trials that distinguish biomarkers between first-line treatments. Further, we discuss the ways prognostic neuroimaging may help to improve treatment outcomes to neuromodulation-based therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation. Lastly, we highlight obstacles and technical developments that may help to address the knowledge gaps in this area of research. Ultimately, integrating neuroimaging-derived biomarkers into clinical practice holds promise for enhancing treatment outcomes and advancing precision psychiatry strategies for depression management. By elucidating the neural predictors of treatment response and selection, we can move towards more individualized and effective depression interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharine Dunlop
- Centre for Depression and Suicide Studies, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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14
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Huneke NTM, Amin J, Baldwin DS, Bellato A, Brandt V, Chamberlain SR, Correll CU, Eudave L, Garner M, Gosling CJ, Hill CM, Hou R, Howes OD, Ioannidis K, Köhler-Forsberg O, Marzulli L, Reed C, Sinclair JMA, Singh S, Solmi M, Cortese S. Placebo effects in randomized trials of pharmacological and neurostimulation interventions for mental disorders: An umbrella review. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02638-x. [PMID: 38914807 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02638-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing literature exploring the placebo response within specific mental disorders, but no overarching quantitative synthesis of this research has analyzed evidence across mental disorders. We carried out an umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of biological treatments (pharmacotherapy or neurostimulation) for mental disorders. We explored whether placebo effect size differs across distinct disorders, and the correlates of increased placebo effects. Based on a pre-registered protocol, we searched Medline, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and Web of Knowledge up to 23.10.2022 for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses reporting placebo effect sizes in psychopharmacological or neurostimulation RCTs. Twenty meta-analyses, summarising 1,691 RCTs involving 261,730 patients, were included. Placebo effect size varied, and was large in alcohol use disorder (g = 0.90, 95% CI [0.70, 1.09]), depression (g = 1.10, 95% CI [1.06, 1.15]), restless legs syndrome (g = 1.41, 95% CI [1.25, 1.56]), and generalized anxiety disorder (d = 1.85, 95% CI [1.61, 2.09]). Placebo effect size was small-to-medium in obsessive-compulsive disorder (d = 0.32, 95% CI [0.22, 0.41]), primary insomnia (g = 0.35, 95% CI [0.28, 0.42]), and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (standardized mean change = 0.33, 95% CI [0.22, 0.44]). Correlates of larger placebo response in multiple mental disorders included later publication year (opposite finding for ADHD), younger age, more trial sites, larger sample size, increased baseline severity, and larger active treatment effect size. Most (18 of 20) meta-analyses were judged 'low' quality as per AMSTAR-2. Placebo effect sizes varied substantially across mental disorders. Future research should explore the sources of this variation. We identified important gaps in the literature, with no eligible systematic reviews/meta-analyses of placebo response in stress-related disorders, eating disorders, behavioural addictions, or bipolar mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan T M Huneke
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
| | - Jay Amin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - David S Baldwin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alessio Bellato
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Valerie Brandt
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Luis Eudave
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matthew Garner
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Corentin J Gosling
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Université Paris Nanterre, DysCo Lab, F-92000, Nanterre, France
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Catherine M Hill
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Ruihua Hou
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- H Lundbeck A/s, Iveco House, Watford, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Konstantinos Ioannidis
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Ole Köhler-Forsberg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital-Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lucia Marzulli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DIBRAIN), University of Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Claire Reed
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Julia M A Sinclair
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Satneet Singh
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Marco Solmi
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- DiMePRe-J-Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine-Jonic Area, University "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Pedersen JR, Strijkers R, Gerger H, Koes B, Chiarotto A. Clinical improvements due to specific effects and placebo effects in conservative interventions and changes observed with no treatment in randomized controlled trials of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain 2024; 165:1217-1232. [PMID: 38198235 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Little is known about the contribution of placebo effects and changes observed with no treatment in interventions for nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). This systematic review assessed the proportions of the overall treatment effect that may be attributable to specific treatment effects, placebo effects, and changes observed with no treatment in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with NSLBP. Trials published before 2019 were identified from a published systematic review, and the search was updated in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central for trials published between January 2019 and March 2023. Three-arm RCTs comparing the effects of experimental interventions vs placebo control vs no intervention reporting pain intensity, physical function, and/or health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were included. Sixteen RCTs with 1436 adults with chronic NSLBP testing conservative and mainly passive interventions were included. For pain intensity (16 studies), 33%, 18%, and 49% of the overall short-term treatment effect was attributable to specific treatment effects, placebo effects, and changes observed with no treatment, respectively. For physical function (11 studies) and HRQoL (6 studies), these proportions were 34%, 13%, and 53%, and 11%, 41%, and 48%, respectively. These results show that approximately half of the overall treatment effect of conservative and mainly passive interventions for patients with chronic NSLBP is attributable to changes observed with no treatment, rather than specific or placebo effects of treatments. However, the certainty of evidence was very low to low, suggesting that the true effects might be markedly different from the effect sizes underlying these estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Rønne Pedersen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rob Strijkers
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Heike Gerger
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Koes
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health and the Center for Muscle and Joint Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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16
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Ibancos-Losada MDR, Díaz-Fernández Á, Cortés-Pérez I, Obrero-Gaitán E, López-Moreno V, Osuna-Pérez MC. Exploring the Impact of Affinity and Unpleasantness on Conditioned Pain Modulation among Healthy Individuals. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1172. [PMID: 38927379 PMCID: PMC11200545 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The variability of the Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) effect can be attributed to conditioning stimulus (CS) characteristics, such as intensity, duration, unpleasantness, or affinity. This study investigates the impact of affinity and unpleasantness variables on the CPM effect using two protocols (cold water and ischemia) in the same healthy individuals (n = 54). Additional variables were also examined for their potential influence on the CPM effect. The main results are as follows: (1) a higher level of affinity and a lower level of unpleasantness for the stimuli used resulted in a stronger CPM effect; (2) significant differences were observed in the extreme categories (high and low) of both variables, whereas the 'indifferent' group did not show a clear trend; (3) within-subject analysis demonstrated that affinity for the CS had a clear impact on the CPM effect; (4) no correlations were found between the CPM effect and the additional variables, except for the extraversion variable with the CPM effect of the ischemia protocol, and CS duration variable with CPM effect in the cold water protocol; and (5) only the affinity variable explained the CPM effect in both protocols in the multiple linear regression analysis. The affinity variable was found to influence the CPM effects significantly, indicating its important role in our perception and response to pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Rocío Ibancos-Losada
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (M.d.R.I.-L.); (I.C.-P.); (E.O.-G.); (V.L.-M.); (M.C.O.-P.)
| | - Ángeles Díaz-Fernández
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (M.d.R.I.-L.); (I.C.-P.); (E.O.-G.); (V.L.-M.); (M.C.O.-P.)
| | - Irene Cortés-Pérez
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (M.d.R.I.-L.); (I.C.-P.); (E.O.-G.); (V.L.-M.); (M.C.O.-P.)
| | - Esteban Obrero-Gaitán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (M.d.R.I.-L.); (I.C.-P.); (E.O.-G.); (V.L.-M.); (M.C.O.-P.)
| | - Virginia López-Moreno
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (M.d.R.I.-L.); (I.C.-P.); (E.O.-G.); (V.L.-M.); (M.C.O.-P.)
- FisioMas Physiotherapy Center, C/Antonio Sánchez Bonil 4, Peal de Becerro, 23460 Jaen, Spain
| | - María Catalina Osuna-Pérez
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (M.d.R.I.-L.); (I.C.-P.); (E.O.-G.); (V.L.-M.); (M.C.O.-P.)
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17
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Barnes K, Wang R, Faasse K. Practitioner warmth and empathy attenuates the nocebo effect and enhances the placebo effect. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:421-441. [PMID: 37793644 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Augmented patient-practitioner interactions that enhance therapeutic alliance can increase the placebo effect to sham treatment. Little is known, however, about the effect of these interactions on maladaptive health outcomes (i.e., the nocebo effect). Healthy participants (N = 84) were randomised to a 3-day course of Oxytocin nasal drops (actually, sham treatment) in conjunction with a high-warmth interaction (Oxy-HW: N = 28), a low-warmth interaction (Oxy-LW: N = 28) or to a no treatment control group (NT: N = 28). All participants were informed that the Oxytocin treatment could increase psychological well-being but was associated with several potential side effects. Treatment-related side effects, unwarned symptoms, and psychological well-being were measured at baseline and all post-treatment days. Side effect reporting was increased in the Oxy-LW condition compared to the other groups across all days. Conversely, increased psychological well-being was observed in the Oxy-HW condition, relative to the other conditions, but only on Day 1. Among those receiving treatment, positive and negative expectations, and treatment-related worry, did not vary by interaction-style, while psychological well-being and side effect reporting were inversely associated at the level of the individual. Results have important implications for practice, suggesting poorer quality interactions may not only reduce beneficial health outcomes but also exacerbate those that are maladaptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Barnes
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachelle Wang
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Faasse
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Liuzza MT, Tolomeo E, Occhiuto G, Cilurzo M, Martino I, Cerasa A. Italian adaptation of the Multidimensional Iowa Suggestibility Scale (MISS). PeerJ 2024; 12:e17145. [PMID: 38699191 PMCID: PMC11064866 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Suggestibility is a personality trait that reflects a general tendency to accept messages. The Multidimensional Iowa Suggestibility Scale (MISS) is a self-report scale developed to measure the degree of individuals' perceptions of their suggestibility. This study aimed to adapt the MISS in an Italian sample. Methods We conducted two studies. In the first study, 345 subjects (270 females (78%), mean age = 36.21 years ± 14.06 SD) completed the translated Italian version of the MISS, composed of five subscales (consumer suggestibility; persuadability; sensation contagion; physiological reactivity; peer conformity). We investigated the structural validity of the scale through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) testing four measurement models (unidimensional, four-factor, hierarchical four factors, and bifactor) and explored reliability in terms of internal consistency through the McDonald's omega. In the second study, we cross-validated the MISS on a new independent sample. We enrolled 277 participants (196 females (71%), mean age 30.56, SD = 12.58) who underwent the new version of the scale. We performed factor analyses to test structural validity and compared four measurement models. Then, we investigated reliability and conducted a latent variable analysis to explore divergent validity. Results The CFA in the first study revealed a bifactor solution of the MISS. This structure was interpretable and provided an adequate fit for the data. The final version of the scale was reduced to forty-six items with globally good indices of adaptation. The scale also demonstrated acceptable reliability in terms of internal consistency through the McDonald's Hierarchical Omega. In the second study, we found that the bifactor structure was confirmed. Factor loadings inspection revealed that there was no justification to report only the separate scores for the subscales. We also found that the scale showed good internal consistency, but mixed evidence for divergent validity. Conclusions In the end, the Italian version of the MISS demonstrated good psychometric properties which will be discussed in detail below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tullio Liuzza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Eva Tolomeo
- Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Occhiuto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Martina Cilurzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Iolanda Martino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- Institute for biomedical research and innovation, National Research Council, Messina, Sicily, Italy
- S. Anna Institute, Crotone, Calabria, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Calabria, Italy
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19
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Huneke NTM, Cross C, Fagan HA, Molteni L, Phillips N, Garner M, Baldwin DS. Placebo Effects Are Small on Average in the 7.5% CO2 Inhalational Model of Generalized Anxiety. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 27:pyae019. [PMID: 38577951 PMCID: PMC11059817 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and socio-economically costly. Novel pharmacological treatments for these disorders are needed because many patients do not respond to current agents or experience unwanted side effects. However, a barrier to treatment development is the variable and large placebo response rate seen in trials of novel anxiolytics. Despite this, the mechanisms that drive placebo responses in anxiety disorders have been little investigated, possibly due to low availability of convenient experimental paradigms. We aimed to develop and test a novel protocol for inducing placebo anxiolysis in the 7.5% CO2 inhalational model of generalized anxiety in healthy volunteers. METHODS Following a baseline 20-minute CO2 challenge, 32 healthy volunteers were administered a placebo intranasal spray labelled as either the anxiolytic "lorazepam" or "saline." Following this, participants surreptitiously underwent a 20-minute inhalation of normal air. Post-conditioning, a second dose of the placebo was administered, after which participants completed another CO2 challenge. RESULTS Participants administered sham "lorazepam" reported significant positive expectations of reduced anxiety (P = .001), but there was no group-level placebo effect on anxiety following CO2 challenge post-conditioning (Ps > .350). Surprisingly, we found many participants exhibited unexpected worsening of anxiety, despite positive expectations. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our hypothesis, our novel paradigm did not induce a placebo response, on average. It is possible that effects of 7.5% CO2 inhalation on prefrontal cortex function or behavior in line with a Bayesian predictive coding framework attenuated the effect of expectations on subsequent placebo response. Future studies are needed to explore these possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan T M Huneke
- Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, Southampton, UK
| | - Cosmina Cross
- Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Harry A Fagan
- Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura Molteni
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Matthew Garner
- Center for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, Southampton, UK
| | - David S Baldwin
- University Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Southern Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry, Academic Centre, College Keep, Southampton, UK
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20
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Caliskan EB, Bingel U, Kunkel A. Translating knowledge on placebo and nocebo effects into clinical practice. Pain Rep 2024; 9:e1142. [PMID: 38533458 PMCID: PMC10965200 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Positive and negative treatment expectations are powerful modulators of health and treatment outcomes. A substantial part of treatment success is due to contextual factors modulating patient's expectations towards a treatment. Consequently, treatment expectations should be a target of therapeutic interventions themselves. Objectives This article highlights the neurobiological underpinnings of treatment expectations as well as strategies to modulate contextual factors to optimize treatment outcomes in daily clinical settings. Methods This clinical update aligns with the 2022 IASP Global Year Translating Pain Knowledge into Practice and selectively reviews the best available evidence and practice. Results The effects of treatment expectations, also known as placebo and nocebo effects, are observed in various clinical conditions and physiological systems. However, most of our knowledge comes from the field of pain, where expectation effects substantially contribute to overall analgesic treatment outcomes. Experimental placebo analgesia paradigms provide the best illustration of how analgesic effects can be attributed not only to a pharmacological or specific treatment, but instead are the result of the expectation towards the treatment. The impact of expectations on treatment outcome is highly variable between individuals, and the identification of factors predicting an individual's response has proven to be challenging. Further research is required to provide personalized treatment strategies for the daily clinical practice. Conclusion Patient's previous experiences and expectations are powerful modulators of treatment efficacy, tolerability, and adherence. By providing a comprehensive overview of recent advances in this field, this review offers valuable insights for clinicians and researchers seeking to improve patient-clinician interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Buse Caliskan
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angelika Kunkel
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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21
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Borgmann A, Petrie KJ, Seewald A, Shedden-Mora M. Can side effect expectations be assessed implicitly? A comparison of explicit and implicit expectations of vaccination side effects. J Psychosom Res 2024; 179:111616. [PMID: 38401222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment expectations alter the probability of experiencing unpleasant side effects from an intervention, including vaccinations. To date, expectations have mostly been assessed explicitly bearing the risk of bias. This study aims to compare implicit expectations of side effects from COVID-19 and flu vaccinations and to examine their relationships with vaccine attitudes and intentions. METHODS N = 248 participants took part in a cross-sectional online survey assessing explicit and implicit expectations, as well as vaccine-related attitudes and personal characteristics. A Single Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT) was developed to assess implicit side effect expectations. Explicit side effect expectations were measured with the Treatment Expectation Questionnaire (TEX-Q). RESULTS Whereas explicit and implicit expectations regarding COVID-19 vaccine were significantly correlated (r = -0.325, p < .001), those correlations could not be found regarding flu vaccine (r = -0.072, p = .32). Explicit measures (COVID-19: β = -0.576, p < .001; flu: β = -0.301, p < .001) predicted the intention to receive further vaccinations more than implicit measures (COVID-19: β = -0.005, p = .93; flu: β = 0.004, p = .96). Explicit measures (COVID-19: OR = 0.360, p < .001; flu: OR = 0.819, p = .03) predicted vaccination status, while implicit measures did not (COVID- 19: OR = 2.643, p = .35; flu: OR = 0.829, p = .61). CONCLUSION Expectations to experience side effects from vaccinations can be measured implicitly, in addition to explicit measures. Further investigation needs to determine the relative contribution and additive value of using implicit measures to assess treatment expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Borgmann
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Keith J Petrie
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anna Seewald
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Meike Shedden-Mora
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Nasiri-Dehsorkhi H, Vaziri S, Esmaillzadeh A, Adibi P. Negative expectations (nocebo phenomenon) in clinical interventions: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2024; 13:106. [PMID: 38726093 PMCID: PMC11081451 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_269_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Unpredictable, undesirable, and confusing reactions in the face of psychological or medical interventions make the clinical presentation more complicated and may represent clinically unexplained symptoms and also disturbed the doctor-patients relationship and decrease patients' benefits of treatment. It seems that negative expectations from the treatment (nocebo phenomenon) can explain such reactions. The aim of the current study is a scoping review and investigate different aspects of the nocebo phenomenon (negative expectations) in clinical interventions. This paper follows a scoping review of the existence, importance, and multidimensions of the nocebo phenomenon in medical and psychological interventions. Data sources include literature databases (ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus) reviewed from inception dates to 2023, and the terms negative expectations, nocebo effect, placebo effect, negative placebo, and clinical interventions were searched. The review of the available articles showed that negative expectations play an important role in the process and effectiveness of clinical interventions. Negative expectations (here named nocebo effect) can significantly interfere with rapport and treatment processes. Some underlying components of the nocebo effect include negative expectancies, conditioning, social learning, memory, cognitive distortions, meaning, motivation, somatic focus, negative reinforcements, personality, anxiety, and neurophysiological factors such as CCK, dopamine, and cortisol are proposed for development and presence of nocebo phenomenon in clinical practice. Negative expectations with its biopsychosocial aspects play an important and amazing role in disorganizing medical and psychological interventions. Using appropriate methods to reduce nocebo effects in therapeutic interventions may increase treatment compliance and adherence and increase the effectiveness of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Nasiri-Dehsorkhi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
- Isfahan Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahram Vaziri
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
| | - Ahmad Esmaillzadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Adibi
- Isfahan Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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23
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Nikolakopoulou A, Chaimani A, Furukawa TA, Papakonstantinou T, Rücker G, Schwarzer G. When does the placebo effect have an impact on network meta-analysis results? BMJ Evid Based Med 2024; 29:127-134. [PMID: 37385716 PMCID: PMC10982636 DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2022-112197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The placebo effect is the 'effect of the simulation of treatment that occurs due to a participant's belief or expectation that a treatment is effective'. Although the effect might be of little importance for some conditions, it can have a great role in others, mostly when the evaluated symptoms are subjective. Several characteristics that include informed consent, number of arms in a study, the occurrence of adverse events and quality of blinding may influence response to placebo and possibly bias the results of randomised controlled trials. Such a bias is inherited in systematic reviews of evidence and their quantitative components, pairwise meta-analysis (when two treatments are compared) and network meta-analysis (when more than two treatments are compared). In this paper, we aim to provide red flags as to when a placebo effect is likely to bias pairwise and network meta-analysis treatment effects. The classic paradigm has been that placebo-controlled randomised trials are focused on estimating the treatment effect. However, the magnitude of placebo effect itself may also in some instances be of interest and has also lately received attention. We use component network meta-analysis to estimate placebo effects. We apply these methods to a published network meta-analysis, examining the relative effectiveness of four psychotherapies and four control treatments for depression in 123 studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriani Nikolakopoulou
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Chaimani
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS-U1153), Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Toshi A Furukawa
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine/School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Theodoros Papakonstantinou
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerta Rücker
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Guido Schwarzer
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Krefting F, Hölsken S, Schedlowski M, Sondermann W. Discontinuation of Fumaric Acid Esters is Affected by Depressive Symptomatology: A Retrospective Analysis. Acta Derm Venereol 2024; 104:adv12326. [PMID: 38483082 PMCID: PMC10953706 DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) remain a widespread therapy option for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. However, drug survival of FAEs is limited by adverse events (AEs) or inadequate treatment response. Depressive disturbances are highly prevalent in psoriasis patients and are hypothesized to be associated with the reporting of AEs and therapy discontinuation. This study's aim was to analyze whether psoriasis patients with comorbid depressive symptomatology are more likely to discontinue treatment with FAEs due to AEs and/or inadequate treatment response. Data were retrospectively extracted from the records of patients starting therapy with FAEs in the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Germany between 2017 and 2022, covering the first 52 weeks of treatment. Psoriasis severity and depressive symptomatology, as well as AEs and therapy discontinuation, were analyzed. Psoriasis patients (N = 95, 47.37% female) with depressive symptomatology (42.11%) were more likely to discontinue therapy due to patient-reported AEs, while the total number of reported AEs was not associated with depression. The results support the hypothesis that among psoriasis patients with depressive symptoms, the associated introspection and somatization may result in increased sensitivity for AEs and thus in quicker therapy discontinuation. In these patients, the occurrence of nocebo effects should be minimized, e.g. by special communication techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Krefting
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Hölsken
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wiebke Sondermann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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25
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Matsingos A, Wilhelm M, Noor L, Yildiz C, Rief W, Hofmann SG, Falkenberg I, Kircher T. Hype or hope? High placebo response in major depression treatment with ketamine and esketamine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1346697. [PMID: 38525254 PMCID: PMC10957753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1346697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ketamine and esketamine offer a novel approach in the pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the placebo response in double-blind, randomized controlled studies (RCTs) on patients with MDD receiving ketamine or esketamine. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycInfo and Embase databases were systematically searched for citations published up to March 17, 2023. A total number of 5017 abstracts was identified. Quality of the included trials was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The meta-analysis was performed using a restricted maximum likelihood model. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42022377591. Results A total number of 14 studies and 1100 participants (593 in the medication group and 507 in the placebo group) meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. We estimated the pooled effect sizes of the overall placebo (d pl = -1.85 [CI 95%: -2.9 to -0.79] and overall treatment (dtr = -2.57; [CI 95% -3.36 to -1.78]) response. The overall placebo response accounts for up to 72% of the overall treatment response. Furthermore, we performed subgroup analysis of 8 studies for the for the 7 days post-intervention timepoint. Seven days post-intervention the placebo response (d pl 7d = -1.98 [CI 95%: -3.26 to -0.69]) accounts for 66% of the treatment response (d tr 7d = - 3.01 [CI 95%, -4.28 to -1.74]). Conclusion Ketamine and esketamine show large antidepressant effects. However, our findings suggest that the placebo response plays a significant role in the antidepressant response and should be used for the benefit of the patients in clinical practice. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022377591.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Matsingos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Wilhelm
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Laila Noor
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Cüneyt Yildiz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stefan G. Hofmann
- Translational Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Irina Falkenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tilo Kircher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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26
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Balthasar L, Bräscher AK, Kaptchuk TJ, Ballou SK, Kube T. Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Hope in Medicine Scale. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2024; 6:e12001. [PMID: 39119224 PMCID: PMC11303912 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.12001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hope is an integral, multi-dimensional part of seeking medical treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a self-report scale, the Hope in Medicine (HIM) scale, to measure different modes of hoping in relation to the course of symptoms, the effects of treatment, and supporting medical research. Method We examined the psychometric properties of the scale in a sample of 74 allergic rhinitis patients participating in a 2-week randomized-controlled trial comparing open-label placebos (OLP) with treatment as usual (TAU). Results The HIM scale had a Cronbach's α of .78. An exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors: realistic hope (i.e., hoping for specific positive outcomes such as improvement in symptoms), transcendent hope (i.e., non-directed hoping that things will turn out positively), utopian hope (i.e., hoping to contribute to greater knowledge), and technoscience hope (i.e., hoping for scientific breakthroughs). Speaking to the convergent validity of the scale, realistic hope was moderately related to treatment expectancies (r = .54); transcendent hope was related to optimism (r = .50), treatment expectancies (r = .37), self-efficacy (r = .36), and inversely correlated with pessimism (r = -.43). Hope subscales predicted neither course of symptoms nor impairment. Conclusion The HIM scale is a questionnaire with adequate internal consistency allowing to assess four modes of hoping. Preliminary results for its convergent validity are promising. Yet, further validation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Balthasar
- Pain and Psychotherapy Research Lab, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Bräscher
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ted J. Kaptchuk
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah K. Ballou
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tobias Kube
- Pain and Psychotherapy Research Lab, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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Wang S, Xiong Z, Cui Y, Fan F, Zhang S, Jia R, Hu Y, Li L, Zhang X, Han F. Placebo and Nocebo Responses in Pharmacological Trials of Tic Disorders: A Meta-Analysis. Mov Disord 2024; 39:585-595. [PMID: 38247265 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials of new drugs for tic disorders (TD) often fail to yield positive results. Placebo and nocebo responses play a vital role in interpreting the outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), yet these responses in RCTs of TD remain unexplored. OBJECTIVE The aim was to assess the magnitude of placebo and nocebo responses in RCTs of pharmacological interventions for TD and identify influencing factors. METHODS A systematic search of the Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO databases was conducted. Eligible studies were RCTs that compared active pharmacological agents with placebos. Placebo response was defined as the change from baseline in TD symptom severity in the placebo group, and nocebo response as the proportion experiencing adverse events (AEs) in this group. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore modifying factors. RESULTS Twenty-four trials involving 2222 participants were included in this study. A substantial placebo response in TD symptom severity was identified, with a pooled effect size of -0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.99 to -0.59; I2 = 67%). Forty-four percent (95% CI 27% to 63%; I2 = 92%) of patients experienced AEs while taking inert pills. Sample size, study design, and randomization ratio were correlated with changes in placebo and nocebo responses. CONCLUSION There were considerable placebo and nocebo responses in TD clinical trials. These results are of great relevance for the design of future trials and for clinical practice in TD. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration ID CRD42023388397. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyi Xiong
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehua Cui
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Si Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ru Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchen Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Chinese EQUATOR Center, Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinical Study Center, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Hong Kong), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Totsch SK, Sorge RE. A novel investigation of placebo analgesia through social communication in mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 459:114773. [PMID: 38000532 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In rodents, placebo analgesia is often investigated through direct conditioning of stimuli, but humans can experience placebo analgesia through expectation without experience. In this study, we sought to determine whether placebo analgesia could be elicited through social communication. METHODS Male and female mice were housed in pairs (designated "Active" and "Bystander") and tested for thermal thresholds on a hot plate (53 °C). Food restriction (1 hr/day) was implemented. The Active mouse was taken to a new cage with food dusted with cocoa (COC) or cinnamon (CINN). The Bystander mice were given regular chow in the home cage. After feeding, the Active mice were given morphine (5 mg/kg, SC) or saline and tested on the hot plate. After 5 pairings of a flavor and treatment (counterbalanced), Active mice were tested following access to a flavored food. Bystander mice were given their first direct exposure to a flavored food and tested on the hot plate. The protocol was repeated with naloxone (10 mg/kg, IP) administered prior to testing. Finally, mice were tested in a two-choice test with both flavored foods available. RESULTS Active mice showed a conditioned analgesic response to the morphine-paired flavor that was reduced by naloxone. Bystander mice showed a placebo analgesic response to their cagemate's morphine-paired flavor that was not significantly impacted by naloxone. Bystander mice spent more time in the chamber associated with their cagemate's morphine-paired flavor. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of placebo analgesia without direct conditioning, instead relying on social communication between mice. The lack of effect with naloxone pretreatment suggests an opioid-independent effect in the Bystander mice. Placebo analgesia in mice may be possible without direct conditioning to better model the effect of expectation of a novel analgesic in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacie K Totsch
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States
| | - Robert E Sorge
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States.
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Saueressig T, Pedder H, Owen PJ, Belavy DL. Contextual effects: how to, and how not to, quantify them. BMC Med Res Methodol 2024; 24:35. [PMID: 38350852 PMCID: PMC10863156 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-024-02152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of contextual effects and their roles in clinical care controversial. A Cochrane review published in 2010 concluded that placebo interventions lack important clinical effects overall, but that placebo interventions can influence patient-reported outcomes such as pain and nausea. However, systematic reviews published after 2010 estimated greater contextual effects than the Cochrane review, which stems from the inappropriate methods employed to quantify contextual effects. The effects of medical interventions (i.e., the total treatment effect) can be divided into three components: specific, contextual, and non-specific. We propose that the most effective method for quantifying the magnitude of contextual effects is to calculate the difference in outcome measures between a group treated with placebo and a non-treated control group. Here, we show that other methods, such as solely using the placebo control arm or calculation of a 'proportional contextual effect,' are limited and should not be applied. The aim of this study is to provide clear guidance on best practices for estimating contextual effects in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Saueressig
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences), Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
- Physio Meets Science GmbH, Johannes Reidel Str. 19, 69181, Leimen, Germany.
| | - Hugo Pedder
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall 39, Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PN, UK
| | - Patrick J Owen
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel L Belavy
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Sciences), Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801, Bochum, Germany
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Chen B, Goldstein N, Dziubek J, Zhao S, Harrahill A, Sundai A, Choi S, Prevosto V, Wang F. Reverse engineering placebo analgesia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.12.579946. [PMID: 38405975 PMCID: PMC10888847 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.12.579946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Placebo analgesia is a widely observed clinical phenomenon. Establishing a robust mouse model of placebo analgesia is needed for careful dissection of the underpinning circuit mechanisms. However, previous studies failed to observe consistent placebo effects in rodent models of chronic pain. We wondered whether strong placebo analgesia can be reverse engineered using general anesthesia-activated neurons in the central amygdala (CeA GA ) that can potently suppress pain. Indeed, in both acute and chronic pain models, pairing a context with CeA GA -mediated pain relief produced robust context-dependent analgesia, exceeding that induced by morphine in the same paradigm. We reasoned that if the analgesic effect was dependent on reactivation of CeA GA neurons by conditioned contextual cues, the analgesia would still be an active treatment, rather than a placebo effect. CeA GA neurons indeed receive monosynaptic inputs from temporal lobe areas that could potentially relay contextual cues directly to CeA GA . However, in vivo imaging showed that CeA GA neurons were not re-activated in the conditioned context, despite mice displaying a strong analgesic phenotype, supporting the notion that the cue-induced pain relief is true placebo analgesia. Our results show that conditioning with activation of a central pain-suppressing circuit is sufficient to engineer placebo analgesia, and that purposefully linking a context with an active treatment could be a means to harness the power of placebo for pain relief.
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Saleem S, Aziz M, Khan AA, Williams MJ, Mathur P, Tansel A, Barber A, Abell TL. Gastric Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Gastroparesis or Gastroparesis-Like Symptoms: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:221-228. [PMID: 36464562 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of gastric electrical stimulation are not fully understood. We aimed to assess the efficacy of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) for patients with gastroparesis and gastroparesis-like symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, and Science Direct to identify controlled trials and cohort studies. We used random effects models to estimate pooled effects. A total of nine studies met the criteria and were included for the final qualitative synthesis and the quantitative analysis. We examined the mean absolute differences (MD) and 95% CIs. RESULTS Nine studies (n = 730) met the criteria and were included for the final qualitative synthesis and the quantitative analysis. There was significant improvement in gastrointestinal (GI) total symptom score (TSS) with the GES group compared with controls during the randomized blind trials. This effect was sustained at 12 months after treatment compared with before treatment (MD = -6.07; 95% CI, -4.5 to -7.65; p < 0.00001). The pooled effect estimate showed a significant improvement in frequency of weekly vomiting episodes at 12 months compared with before treatment (MD = -15.59; 95% CI, -10.29 to -20.9; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION GES appears beneficial, with significant improvement in GI TSS, weekly vomiting frequency, gastric emptying study, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Saleem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV
| | - Muhammad Aziz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH
| | - Aleena Ahmad Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mary-Jane Williams
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Prateek Mathur
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Aylin Tansel
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Annabel Barber
- Department of General Surgery, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
| | - Thomas L Abell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
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Milde C, Brinskelle LS, Glombiewski JA. Does Active Inference Provide a Comprehensive Theory of Placebo Analgesia? BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024; 9:10-20. [PMID: 37678710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Placebo interventions generate mismatches between expected pain and sensory signals from which pain states are inferred. Because we lack direct access to bodily states, we can only infer whether nociceptive activity indicates tissue damage or results from noise in sensory channels. Predictive processing models propose to make optimal inferences using prior knowledge given noisy sensory data. However, these models do not provide a satisfactory explanation of how pain relief expectations are translated into physiological manifestations of placebo responses. Furthermore, they do not account for individual differences in the ability to endogenously regulate nociceptive activity in predicting placebo analgesia. The brain not only passively integrates prior pain expectations with nociceptive activity to infer pain states (perceptual inference) but also initiates various types of actions to ensure that sensory data are consistent with prior pain expectations (active inference). We argue that depending on whether the brain interprets conflicting sensory data (prediction errors) as a signal to learn from or noise to be attenuated, the brain initiates opposing types of action to facilitate learning from sensory data or, conversely, to enhance the biasing influence of prior pain expectations on pain perception. Furthermore, we discuss the role of stress, anxiety, and unpredictability of pain in influencing the weighting of prior pain expectations and sensory data and how they relate to the individual ability to regulate nociceptive activity (endogenous pain modulation). Finally, we provide suggestions for future studies to test the implications of the active inference model of placebo analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Milde
- Department of Psychology, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany.
| | - Laura S Brinskelle
- Department of Psychology, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Julia A Glombiewski
- Department of Psychology, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
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Basedow LA, Zerth SF, Salzmann S, Uecker C, Bauer N, Elsenbruch S, Rief W, Langhorst J. Pre-treatment expectations and their influence on subjective symptom change in Crohn's disease. J Psychosom Res 2024; 176:111567. [PMID: 38100897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment expectations reportedly shape treatment outcomes, but have not been studied in the context of multimodal therapy in Crohn's disease (CD). Therefore, the current study investigated the role of treatment expectations for subjective symptom changes in CD patients who have undergone an integrative multimodal therapy program. METHODS Validated questionnaires were completed at the start of the treatment program and post intervention. Pre-treatment expectations and experienced symptom change were assessed with the Generic Rating Scale for Previous Treatment Experiences, Treatment Expectations, and Treatment Effects (GEEE); stress levels were quantified with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and disease specific quality of life was quantified with the disease-specific Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). We performed multiple linear and Bayesian regression to determine how expectations related to symptom change. RESULTS N = 71 CD patients (66.2% female) were included. Stronger expectations regarding symptom improvement (b = 0.422, t = 3.70, p < .001) were associated with higher experienced symptom improvement. Additionally, Bayesian analysis provided strong evidence for including improvement expectations as a predictor of improvement experience (BFinclusion = 13.78). CONCLUSIONS In line with research in other disorders, we found that positive treatment expectations were associated with experienced symptom improvement. In contrast, we found no indication that an experience of symptom worsening was associated with positive or negative baseline treatment expectations. Induction of positive expectations might be a potential avenue for improving treatment outcomes in CD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Andreas Basedow
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Simon Felix Zerth
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Salzmann
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 35037 Marburg, Germany; Health and Medical University, Medical Psychology, 99084 Erfurt, Germany.
| | - Christine Uecker
- Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, 96049 Bamberg, Germany; University of Duisburg Essen, Medicinal Faculty, Department of Integrative Medicine, 96049 Bamberg, Germany.
| | - Nina Bauer
- Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, 96049 Bamberg, Germany; University of Duisburg Essen, Medicinal Faculty, Department of Integrative Medicine, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Elsenbruch
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany; Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.
| | - Winfried Rief
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Jost Langhorst
- Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, 96049 Bamberg, Germany; University of Duisburg Essen, Medicinal Faculty, Department of Integrative Medicine, 96049 Bamberg, Germany.
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Johnston JN, Kadriu B, Kraus C, Henter ID, Zarate CA. Ketamine in neuropsychiatric disorders: an update. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:23-40. [PMID: 37340091 PMCID: PMC10700638 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01632-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant led to a new era in the development of neuropsychiatric therapeutics, one characterized by an antidepressant response that occurred within hours or days rather than weeks or months. Considerable clinical research supports the use of-or further research with-subanesthetic-dose ketamine and its (S)-enantiomer esketamine in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, and eating disorders, as well as for the management of chronic pain. In addition, ketamine often effectively targets symptom domains associated with multiple disorders, such as anxiety, anhedonia, and suicidal ideation. This manuscript: 1) reviews the literature on the pharmacology and hypothesized mechanisms of subanesthetic-dose ketamine in clinical research; 2) describes similarities and differences in the mechanism of action and antidepressant efficacy between racemic ketamine, its (S) and (R) enantiomers, and its hydroxynorketamine (HNK) metabolite; 3) discusses the day-to-day use of ketamine in the clinical setting; 4) provides an overview of ketamine use in other psychiatric disorders and depression-related comorbidities (e.g., suicidal ideation); and 5) provides insights into the mechanisms of ketamine and therapeutic response gleaned from the study of other novel therapeutics and neuroimaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa N Johnston
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Bashkim Kadriu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Translational and Experimental Medicine, Neuroscience at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Christoph Kraus
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ioline D Henter
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Suen YN, Leung CM, Wan YS, Chan KT, Wong MTH, Hui CLM, Chan KWS, Lee EHM, Chen EYH. Evaluation of a Low-Intensity Online Intervention (LiON) for Reducing Distress and Mental Health Symptoms in Young People. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:89-97. [PMID: 37815770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Enhancing young people's mental health is crucial given that most adult mental disorders develop before age 24 years. However, it is unclear whether low-intensity interventions delivered online can be effective. This study aimed to provide preliminary evidence on whether a low-intensity online intervention (LiON) can effectively lower young people's distress levels and mental health symptoms. METHODS We compared the preintervention and postintervention changes in distress level and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms in 137 young people aged 15-24 years who used the LiON service with the three-month changes in a 1:1 propensity score-matched control group of community young people who did not use the service. They participated in one of the following modules for the first time: (1) sleep and relaxation, (2) stress-coping, and (3) problem-solving. RESULTS Participants who received LiON intervention (mean age 22.88 [standard deviation 3.67] years, 65.7% female) showed significantly greater reductions in distress level (Cohen's f2: 0.079), as well as the severity of depressive symptoms (Cohen's f2: 0.056) and anxiety symptoms (Cohen's f2: 0.044) compared to the control group. DISCUSSION The findings suggest that the LiON intervention has the potential to effectively reduce distress and mental health symptoms in young people. Future research should aim to confirm these findings through randomized controlled trials and explore the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Nam Suen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Chung Ming Leung
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yau Sum Wan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai Tai Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | - Kit Wa Sherry Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edwin Ho Ming Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric Yu Hai Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Huneke NT, Amin J, Baldwin DS, Chamberlain SR, Correll CU, Garner M, Hill CM, Hou R, Howes OD, Sinclair JM, Solmi M, Cortese S. Placebo effects in mental health disorders: protocol for an umbrella review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073946. [PMID: 38035741 PMCID: PMC10689367 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the high prevalence of mental health disorders and their significant socioeconomic burden, there is a need to develop improved treatments, and to evaluate them through placebo-controlled trials. However, the magnitude of the placebo response in randomised controlled trials to test medications may be substantial, affecting their interpretation. Therefore, improved understanding of the patient, trial and mental disorder factors that influence placebo responses would inform clinical trial design to better detect active treatment effects. There is a growing literature exploring the placebo response within specific mental health disorders, but no overarching synthesis of this research has been produced to date. We present a protocol for an umbrella review of systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses in which we aim to understand the effect size and potential predictors of placebo response within, and across, mental health disorders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will systematically search databases (Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE+EMBASE Classic, Web of Knowledge) for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses that report placebo effect size in clinical trials in patients with mental health disorders (initial search date 23 October 2022). Screening of abstracts and full texts will be done in pairs. We will extract data to qualitatively examine how placebo effect size varies across mental health disorders. We also plan to qualitatively summarise predictors of increased placebo response identified either quantitatively (eg, through meta-regression) or qualitatively. Risk of bias will be assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. We aim to not only summarise the current literature but also to identify gaps in knowledge and generate further hypotheses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION We do not believe there are any specific ethical considerations relevant to this study. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Tm Huneke
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Jay Amin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - David S Baldwin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Matthew Garner
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Catherine M Hill
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Ruihua Hou
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- H Lundbeck A/s, Iveco House, Watford, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Julia Ma Sinclair
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottowa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, New York, USA
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Hanzel J, Solitano V, Zou L, Zou G, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Danese S, Singh S, Ma C, Wils P, Jairath V. A Comparison of Treatment Effect Sizes in Matched Phase 2 and Phase 3 Trials of Advanced Therapeutics in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2023; 14:e00629. [PMID: 37578211 PMCID: PMC10684248 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Phase 2 trials are fundamental to the rational and efficient design of phase 3 trials. We aimed to determine the relationship of treatment effect size estimates from phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials on advanced therapeutics in inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane library were searched from inception to December 19, 2022, to identify paired phase 2 and 3 placebo-controlled induction studies of advanced therapeutics for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Treatment effect sizes were expressed as a risk ratio (RR) between the active arm and placebo arm. For the same therapeutics, RRs from phase 2 trials were divided by the RR from phase 3 trial to quantify the relationship of effect sizes between phases. RESULTS Twenty-two studies (9 phase 2 trials, 13 phase 3 trials) were included for CD and 30 studies (12 phase 2 trials, 18 phase 3 trials) for UC. In UC (pooled RR 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.86; RR <1 indicates smaller treatment effect sizes in phase 2 trials), but not CD (pooled RR 1.01; 95% confidence interval: 0.84-1.18), phase 2 trials systematically underestimated treatment effect sizes for the primary endpoint compared with phase 3 trials. The underestimation was observed for clinical, but not endoscopic, endpoints in UC. DISCUSSION Treatment effect sizes for the primary and clinical endpoints were similar across clinical trial phases in CD, but not UC, where only endoscopic endpoints were comparable. This will help inform clinical development plans and future trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurij Hanzel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Alimentiv Inc, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Virginia Solitano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Lily Zou
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - G.Y. Zou
- Alimentiv Inc, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Inserm NGERE U1256, University Hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and University Vita‐Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Siddharth Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Christopher Ma
- Alimentiv Inc, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pauline Wils
- Department of Gastroenterology, Claude Huriez Hospital, University of Lille 2, Lille, France
- Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 Infinite, Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Vipul Jairath
- Alimentiv Inc, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Basedow LA, Fischer A, Benson S, Bingel U, Brassen S, Büchel C, Engler H, Mueller EM, Schedlowski M, Rief W. The influence of psychological traits and prior experience on treatment expectations. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 127:152431. [PMID: 37862937 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placebo and nocebo responses are modulated by the treatment expectations of participants and patients. However, interindividual differences predicting treatment expectations and placebo responses are unclear. In this large-scale pooled analysis, we aim to investigate the influence of psychological traits and prior experiences on treatment expectations. METHODS This paper analyses data from six different placebo studies (total n = 748). In all studies, participants' sociodemographic information, treatment expectations and prior treatment experiences and traits relating to stress, somatization, depression and anxiety, the Big Five and behavioral inhibition and approach tendencies were assessed using the same established questionnaires. Correlation coefficients and structural equation models were calculated to investigate the relationship between trait variables and expectations. RESULTS We found small positive correlations between side effect expectations and improvement expectations (r = 0.187), perceived stress (r = 0.154), somatization (r = 0.115), agitation (r = 0.108), anhedonia (r = 0.118), and dysthymia (r = 0.118). In the structural equation model previous experiences emerged as the strongest predictors of improvement (β = 0.32, p = .005), worsening (β = -0.24, p = .005) and side effect expectations (β = 0.47, p = .005). Traits related to positive affect (β = - 0.09; p = .007) and negative affect (β = 0.04; p = .014) were associated with side effect expectations. DISCUSSION This study is the first large analysis to investigate the relationship between traits, prior experiences and treatment expectations. Exploratory analyses indicate that experiences of symptom improvement are associated with improvement and worsening expectations, while previous negative experiences are only related to side effect expectations. Additionally, a proneness to experience negative affect may be a predictor for side effect expectation and thus mediate the occurrence of nocebo responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas A Basedow
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Anton Fischer
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Department of Differential Psychology and Personality Research, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Sven Benson
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, DE, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Brassen
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Christian Büchel
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Harald Engler
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Erik M Mueller
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Department of Differential Psychology and Personality Research, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany; Osher Center for Integrative Health, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Winfried Rief
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
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Barnes K, Babbage E, Barker J, Jain N, Faasse K. The role of positive information provision in open-label placebo effects. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:1406-1426. [PMID: 36932997 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Open label placebos (OLPs) appear generally efficacious among clinical samples, but the empirical evidence regarding their use in non-clinical and sub-clinical samples, as well as when administered independent of a convincing rationale, is mixed. Healthy participants (N = 102) were randomised to either a 6-day course of OLP pills with information provision (OLP-plus: N = 35), without information provision (OLP-only: N = 35), or no-treatment control group (N = 32). OLP pills were described as enhancing physical (symptoms and sleep) and psychological (positive and negative emotional) well-being. Well-being was assessed at baseline and on Day 6. Expectancies and adherence were measured. OLP administration interacted with baseline well-being. The OLP-plus group demonstrated increased well-being on all outcomes other than positive emotions, but only when they reported decreased baseline well-being. OLP-only and control groups did not differ. The OLP-plus group demonstrated elevated expectancies, that mediated the OLP effect on physical symptoms relative to control, but only when well-being was lower than average at baseline (i.e. moderated-mediation). Results demonstrate the importance of information provided with OLPs. The moderating effect of baseline outcomes may reconcile inconsistent results regarding clinical and non-clinical samples. Accounting for baseline symptoms in non-clinical and sub-clinical samples is likely to enhance our understanding of when OLPs are effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Barnes
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily Babbage
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Barker
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Jain
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Faasse
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Paschke L, Dreyer N, Worm M, Klinger R. Can open label placebos improve pain and gluten tolerance via open label placebos in fibromyalgia patients? A study protocol for a randomised clinical trial in an outpatient centre. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074957. [PMID: 37865404 PMCID: PMC10603456 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is defined as a medical condition with chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by mood disorders, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Treatment of this condition can often be challenging. As nutrition in general and nutritional interventions in the context of illness management become more and more important, current research also focuses on the relevance of diets for FMS, including gluten as field of interest. To date, there is no clear evidence that a gluten-free diet or other nutritional interventions are significantly important for the reduction of pain in the context of FMS. Only a very few studies show that FMS patients respond to a gluten-free diet and that cytokine production (also in FMS) can be reduced through the change. However, these studies have not investigated whether and to what extent cognitive factors, such as the expectation of symptom reduction triggered by diet, play a role. Recent research shows that treatment expectation plays an important role in the course of the disease and in the effectiveness of treatment approaches. For example, there are promising pain treatment options using open-label placebos (OLPs), which show that expectation alone, rather than the pharmacological substance of medication, can reduce pain experience. In our study protocol, we hypothesise that treatment expectation can be positively influenced by the given information regarding the placebos, resulting in improved treatment outcomes for pain and indigestions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this trial, patients with FMS will undergo a food challenge and take an OLP (patients will be informed about the placebo), followed by a 3-week OLP treatment. The subjects will be randomised into four groups: (a) gluten-free porridge+neutral OLP instructions; (b) gluten-free porridge+positive OLP instructions; (c) gluten-containing porridge+neutral OLP instructions and (d) gluten-containing porridge+positive OLP instructions. Patients will be recruited via different institutions and support groups in Hamburg. The inclusion criteria are (a) diagnosed FMS, (b) absence of wheat allergy, coeliac disease or pain-related red flags and (c) being a minimum age of 18 years. The study requires 100 subjects to assess the primary outcomes: pain intensity and occurence of indigestion. Secondary outcomes are functional capacity, treatment expectation, and different pain-related and inflammation-related blood parameters. The measure time points will be before and after the food challenge and before and after the 3-week OLP treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was obtained in October 2021 from the Hamburg Medical Ethics Council. The results of the study will be disseminated through publications, presentations and conference meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; DRKS00027130).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Paschke
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norma Dreyer
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Margitta Worm
- Allergology and Immunology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regine Klinger
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Frisaldi E, Shaibani A, Benedetti F, Pagnini F. Placebo and nocebo effects and mechanisms associated with pharmacological interventions: an umbrella review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077243. [PMID: 37848293 PMCID: PMC10582987 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review aimed to summarise the existing knowledge about placebo and nocebo effects associated with pharmacological interventions and their mechanisms. DESIGN Umbrella review, adopting the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 tool for critical appraisal. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial were searched in September 2022, without any time restriction, for systematic reviews, narrative reviews, original articles. Results were summarised through narrative synthesis, tables, 95% CI. OUTCOME MEASURES Mechanisms underlying placebo/nocebo effects and/or their effect sizes. RESULTS The databases search identified 372 studies, for a total of 158 312 participants, comprising 41 systematic reviews, 312 narrative reviews and 19 original articles. Seventy-three per cent of the examined systematic reviews were of high quality.Our findings revealed that mechanisms underlying placebo and/or nocebo effects have been characterised, at least in part, for: pain, non-noxious somatic sensation, Parkinson's disease, migraine, sleep disorders, intellectual disability, depression, anxiety, dementia, addiction, gynaecological disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, immune and endocrine systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, influenza and related vaccines, oncology, obesity, physical and cognitive performance. Their magnitude ranged from 0.08 to 2.01 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.89) for placebo effects and from 0.32 to 0.90 (95% CI 0.24 to 1.00) for nocebo effects. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers, identifying both results ready for clinical practice and gaps to address in the near future. FUNDING Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy with the 'Finanziamento Ponte 2022' grant. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023392281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Frisaldi
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Aziz Shaibani
- Muscle and Nerve Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fabrizio Benedetti
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Jansson L, Löhman M, Östlund M, Domingo B. Effects of one single-dose methylphenidate compared to one single-dose placebo on QbTest performance in adults with untreated ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:762. [PMID: 37848887 PMCID: PMC10583300 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05231-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) primary involves methylphenidate (MPH). Earlier studies have identified placebo responders to increase toward the end of the treatment periods. However, little is known about the immediate effects of placebo on the core symptoms of ADHD in adults. The present study aimed to examine the effects of one single-dose MPH compared to one single-dose placebo during clinical assessments with continuous performance tests (CPT). METHODS In a randomized study with cross-over design, 40 adults between 19 and 64 years (72.5% women) with untreated ADHD were consecutively enrolled. The study comprised two trial days with four days in between. The QbTest was performed twice on the same day, before and 80 min after intake of one single-dose 20 mg immediate release methylphenidate (IR-MPH) and with one single-dose placebo, in randomized order. RESULTS Performance improved in QbInattention, F (3, 117) = 38.25, p < 0.001, after given IR-MPH (mean diff = 1.14) and after placebo (mean diff = 0.60) with the effect sizes 1.17 and 0.63 respectively. IR-MPH improved performance in QbActivity (mean diff = 0.81, p < 0.001) and QbImpulsivity (mean diff = 0.46, p < 0.04). The proportion of improvements (a decrease by ≥ 0.5 Qb-score) in the parameters QbInattention, QbActivity and QbImpulsivity were 90%, 60% and 52.5%, respectively. After given placebo, corresponding proportions were 60%, 30% and 35%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS There seems to be an immediate placebo response in the core symptom inattention. The effect of placebo cannot be ruled out and must be taken in consideration during drug trials with continuous performance tests (CPTs). TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT02473185.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Jansson
- Psychiatric Clinic, Region Västmanland, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Monica Löhman
- Psychiatric Clinic, Region Västmanland, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Mona Östlund
- Psychiatric Clinic, Region Västmanland, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Blanca Domingo
- Psychiatric Clinic, Region Västmanland, 721 89, Västerås, Sweden.
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden.
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Hartmann H, Banwinkler M, Riva F, Lamm C. To respond or not to respond: exploring empathy-related psychological and structural brain differences between placebo analgesia responders and non-responders. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1257522. [PMID: 37849473 PMCID: PMC10577216 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1257522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Placebo responsiveness is highly variable across individuals. In the domain of pain, it may range from pronounced hypoalgesia to no response at all. Which factors predict such variation awaits clarification, as the available literature is characterized by mixed and inconclusive results. Particularly interesting in this case are social factors such as empathy or prosocial behavior, as prior work has stressed the connection between feeling pain yourself and empathizing with pain observed in others. Methods In a mixed confirmatory and exploratory approach, this study investigated potential psychological and structural brain differences between placebo responders and non-responders in the domain of pain. We aggregated data of four behavioral and neuroimaging studies that had been designed to investigate the effects of placebo analgesia on empathy. Results Analyses comparing groups of placebo responders and non-responders showed significant group differences in trait characteristics, with responders reporting increased helping behavior and lower psychopathic traits compared to non-responders. Uncorrected results further showed higher pain-related empathic concern in responders vs. non-responders. These results were accompaniedby tentative group differences in brain structure: placebo analgesia non-responders exhibited increased gray matter volume in left inferior temporal and parietal supramarginal cortical areas, and an increased cortical surface area in bilateral middle temporal cortex. Discussion Together, our findings suggest that modifiability of one's pain perception by means of placebo effects is linked to personality traits characterizing social emotions and behavior. They also hint that these psychological as well as brain structural characteristics might be beneficial for the identification of placebo responders. At the same time, they stress the importance of considering contextual factors such as the study setting or paradigm when investigating the association between individual characteristics and placebo responding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hartmann
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Magdalena Banwinkler
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Federica Riva
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Barbero JA, Unadkat P, Choi YY, Eidelberg D. Functional Brain Networks to Evaluate Treatment Responses in Parkinson's Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1653-1668. [PMID: 37684533 PMCID: PMC10684458 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01433-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Network analysis of functional brain scans acquired with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET, to map cerebral glucose metabolism), or resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI, to map blood oxygen level-dependent brain activity) has increasingly been used to identify and validate reproducible circuit abnormalities associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition to serving as imaging markers of the underlying disease process, these networks can be used singly or in combination as an adjunct to clinical diagnosis and as a screening tool for therapeutics trials. Disease networks can also be used to measure rates of progression in natural history studies and to assess treatment responses in individual subjects. Recent imaging studies in PD subjects scanned before and after treatment have revealed therapeutic effects beyond the modulation of established disease networks. Rather, other mechanisms of action may be at play, such as the induction of novel functional brain networks directly by treatment. To date, specific treatment-induced networks have been described in association with novel interventions for PD such as subthalamic adeno-associated virus glutamic acid decarboxylase (AAV2-GAD) gene therapy, as well as sham surgery or oral placebo under blinded conditions. Indeed, changes in the expression of these networks with treatment have been found to correlate consistently with clinical outcome. In aggregate, these attributes suggest a role for functional brain networks as biomarkers in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- János A Barbero
- Center for Neurosciences, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Prashin Unadkat
- Center for Neurosciences, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Yoon Young Choi
- Center for Neurosciences, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - David Eidelberg
- Center for Neurosciences, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Molecular Medicine and Neurology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA.
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Neogi T, Colloca L. Placebo effects in osteoarthritis: implications for treatment and drug development. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:613-626. [PMID: 37697077 PMCID: PMC10615856 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis worldwide, affecting ~500 million people, yet there are no effective treatments to halt its progression. Without any structure-modifying agents, management of OA focuses on ameliorating pain and improving function. Treatment approaches typically have modest efficacy, and many patients have contraindications to recommended pharmacological treatments. Drug development for OA is hindered by the gradual and progressive nature of the disease and the targeting of established disease in clinical trials. Additionally, new medications for OA cannot receive regulatory approval without demonstrating improvements in both structure (pathological features of OA) and symptoms (reduced pain and/or improved function). In clinical trials, people with OA show high 'placebo responses', which hamper the ability to identify new effective treatments. Placebo responses refer to the individual variability in response to placebos given in the context of clinical trials and other settings. Placebo effects refer specifically to short-lasting improvements in symptoms that occur because of physiological changes. To mitigate the effects of the placebo phenomenon, we must first understand what it is, how it manifests, how to identify placebo responders in OA trials and how these insights can be used to improve clinical trials in OA. Leveraging placebo responses and effects in clinical practice might provide additional avenues to augment symptom management of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhina Neogi
- Section of Rheumatology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translation Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Placebo Beyond Opinions Center, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Hird EJ, Diederen K, Leucht S, Jensen KB, McGuire P. The Placebo Effect in Psychosis: Why It Matters and How to Measure It. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:605-613. [PMID: 37881581 PMCID: PMC10593894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosis is characterized by unusual percepts and beliefs in the form of hallucinations and delusions. Antipsychotic medication, the primary treatment for psychosis, is often ineffective and accompanied by severe side effects, but research has not identified an effective alternative in several decades. One reason that clinical trials fail is that patients with psychosis tend to show a significant therapeutic response to inert control treatments, known as the placebo effect, which makes it difficult to distinguish drug effects from placebo effects. Conversely, in clinical practice, a strong placebo effect may be useful because it could enhance the overall treatment response. Identifying factors that predict large placebo effects could improve the future outlook of psychosis treatment. Biomarkers of the placebo effect have already been suggested in pain and depression, but not in psychosis. Quantifying markers of the placebo effect would have the potential to predict placebo effects in psychosis clinical trials. Furthermore, the placebo effect and psychosis may represent a shared neurocognitive mechanism in which prior beliefs are weighted against new sensory information to make inferences about reality. Examining this overlap could reveal new insights into the mechanisms underlying psychosis and indicate novel treatment targets. We provide a narrative review of the importance of the placebo effect in psychosis and propose a novel method to assess it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Hird
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Kelly Diederen
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Stefan Leucht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin B. Jensen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip McGuire
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
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Krefting F, Hölsken S, Benson S, Schedlowski M, Sondermann W. How familiar are German dermatologists with placebo and nocebo effects and to what extent are these targeted in clinical practice: A survey within the dermatological community. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:2133-2141. [PMID: 37322597 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every medical treatment inevitably comprises not only physiological, but also psychological components, reflected by placebo and nocebo effects, which significantly affect treatment outcome. However, the extent of knowledge on the mechanisms steering placebo and nocebo effects in the dermatological community in Germany is currently unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess the state of knowledge about placebo and nocebo effects in the German dermatological community, to evaluate whether this knowledge is already being used in clinical practice, and to investigate whether German dermatologists are interested in learning more about the topic. METHODS German Dermatologists, the majority working in their own practice, were asked to fill in an online survey addressing the knowledge about placebo and nocebo effects and the feasibility of special techniques to enhance placebo and minimize nocebo effects within the clinical routine. RESULTS N = 154 complete (79%) or partial (21%) responses to the survey were recorded in the online database and included in the analysis. All participants reported to know what the placebo effect is and 59.7% (74/124) indicated that they already had experience with prescribing or recommending a treatment without active substances. In contrast, only 62.0% (80/129) stated to know what the nocebo effect is. Participants showed a rather superficial knowledge regarding placebo and nocebo mechanisms. The majority of participants (76.7%, 99/129) expressed their willingness to be further educated about the underlying mechanisms mediating placebo and nocebo effects and the possible application in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS The current survey offers a so far unique insight into the state of knowledge of German dermatologists on placebo and nocebo effects. The results indicate a need for education about this topic. Encouragingly, however, German dermatologists considered communication strategies to maximize placebo and reduce nocebo effects and expressed motivation to be trained to implement these strategies in everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Krefting
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hölsken
- Center of Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven Benson
- Center of Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center of Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Institute of Medical Education, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Center of Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wiebke Sondermann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Buergler S, Sezer D, Busch A, Enzmann M, Bakis B, Locher C, Bagge N, Kirsch I, Carvalho C, Gaab J. A qualitative study of imaginary pills and open-label placebos in test anxiety. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291004. [PMID: 37656757 PMCID: PMC10473493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of open-label placebos (OLPs) has been increasingly demonstrated and their use holds promise for applications compatible with basic ethical principles. Taking this concept one step further an imaginary pill (IP) intervention without the use of a physical pill was developed and tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). To explore participants' experiences and views, we conducted the first qualitative study in the field of IPs. METHODS A reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) of semi-structured interviews with test anxious students (N = 20) was nested in an RCT investigating an IP and OLP intervention. In addition, open-ended questions from the RCT were evaluated (N = 114) to corroborate the RTA and pill characteristics were included to more accurately capture the IP experience. RESULTS Four key themes were identified: (1) attitude towards the intervention, (2) applicability of the intervention, (3) experience of effects, and (4) characteristics of the imagination. The IP intervention was well-accepted, easily applicable, and various effects, pill characteristics and appearances were described. While many participants did not desire a physical pill, either due to the absence of the imagination component or aversion to pills, the approach was considered to be cognitively and time demanding, which in turn, however, encouraged the establishment of a therapeutic ritual that protected against the increase in test anxiety during the preparation phase. OLP findings were comparable, and especially the importance of a treatment rationale was stressed in both groups, counteracting an initial ambivalent attitude. The RTA findings were supported by the open-ended questions of the RCT. CONCLUSION IPs appear to be a well-accepted and easily applicable intervention producing a variety of beneficial effects. Thus, the IP approach might serve as an imaginary based alternative to OLPs warranting further investigations on its application to harness placebo effects without a physical pill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buergler
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dilan Sezer
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Busch
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marlon Enzmann
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Berfin Bakis
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cosima Locher
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Niels Bagge
- Institute for Emotion-Focused Therapy, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Irving Kirsch
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Claudia Carvalho
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada (ISPA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jens Gaab
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Maß R, Backhaus K, Lohrer K, Szelies M, Unkelbach BK. No benefit of antidepressants in inpatient treatment of depression. A longitudinal, quasi-experimental field study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1963-1971. [PMID: 37526699 PMCID: PMC10471650 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06417-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Antidepressants (AD) are mostly considered indispensable for the treatment of major depression. The vast majority of depressive inpatients are treated with AD. However, there is a growing body of studies indicating that the effectiveness of AD is greatly overestimated due to methodological issues with the AD efficacy studies (e.g., publication bias, unintentional unblinding, confusion between withdrawal symptoms and relapse). OBJECTIVES The benefit of the additional use of AD in the inpatient treatment of depression with intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been investigated in a naturalistic design. METHODS Depressiveness was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) during a preliminary interview (T0), at admission (T1), at discharge (T2), and at a 6-month follow-up (T3). Two study phases were compared: During Phase A, AD were recommended in accordance with the German guideline. In Phase B, AD were no longer recommended, and they were only prescribed upon explicit request from patients. In phase A (N = 574), 60.3% of all patients were taking AD at discharge. In Phase B (N = 424), 27.9% of patients were on AD at discharge. Apart from the difference in AD usage, the two treatment conditions were similar, and the samples did not significantly differ in terms of age, sex, diagnoses, history of suicide attempts, comorbid anxiety disorders, and unemployment. RESULTS In both study phases, BDI-II scores were strongly decreased at T2 and T3, respectively, compared with T1. The BDI-II scores of the two phases did not differ at any of the measurement time points. Depression changes were similar in both phases. In sequential multiple regression analyses with the total sample, AD were no significant predictors for the reduction of depression at either T2 or T3. CONCLUSIONS The inpatient CBT was effective in depression. The effectiveness of CBT is not improved by the additional use of AD. The current prescribing practices of AD should be questioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Maß
- Center for Mental Health Marienheide, Leppestr. 65-67, 51709, Marienheide, Germany.
| | - Kerstin Backhaus
- Center for Mental Health Marienheide, Leppestr. 65-67, 51709, Marienheide, Germany
| | - Katharina Lohrer
- Center for Mental Health Marienheide, Leppestr. 65-67, 51709, Marienheide, Germany
| | - Michael Szelies
- Center for Mental Health Marienheide, Leppestr. 65-67, 51709, Marienheide, Germany
| | - Bodo K Unkelbach
- Center for Mental Health Marienheide, Leppestr. 65-67, 51709, Marienheide, Germany
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50
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Jacob C, Olliges E, Haile A, Hoffmann V, Jacobi B, Steinkopf L, Lanz M, Wittmann M, Tschöp MH, Meissner K. Placebo effects on nausea and motion sickness are resistant to experimentally-induced stress. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9908. [PMID: 37336972 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36296-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nausea often occurs in stressful situations, such as chemotherapy or surgery. Clinically relevant placebo effects in nausea have been demonstrated, but it remains unclear whether stress has an impact on these effects. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the interplay between acute stress and placebo effects in nausea. 80 healthy female volunteers susceptible to motion sickness were randomly assigned to either the Maastricht Acute Stress Test or a non-stress control condition, and to either placebo treatment or no treatment. Nausea was induced by a virtual vection drum and behavioral, psychophysiological as well as humoral parameters were repeatedly assessed. Manipulation checks confirmed increased cortisol levels and negative emotions in the stressed groups. In the non-stressed groups, the placebo intervention improved nausea, symptoms of motion sickness, and gastric myoelectrical activity (normo-to-tachy (NTT) ratio). In the stressed groups, the beneficial effects of the placebo intervention on nausea and motion sickness remained unchanged, whereas no improvement of the gastric NTT ratio was observed. Results suggest that placebo effects on symptoms of nausea and motion sickness are resistant to experimentally-induced stress. Stress most likely interfered with the validity of the gastric NTT ratio to measure nausea and thus the gastric placebo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Jacob
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton and Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Elisabeth Olliges
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinik Barmelweid AG, 5017, Barmelweid, Switzerland
- Division of Health Promotion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Friedrich-Streib-Str. 2, 96450, Coburg, Germany
| | - Anja Haile
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Hoffmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Jacobi
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, H1010, Farmington, CT, 06030-1410, USA
| | - Leander Steinkopf
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Marina Lanz
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Wittmann
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, 79098, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Meissner
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany.
- Division of Health Promotion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Friedrich-Streib-Str. 2, 96450, Coburg, Germany.
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