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Saueressig T, Owen PJ, Pedder H, Arora NK, Simons M, Kaczorowski S, Miller CT, Donath L, Belavy DL. Boosting treatment outcomes via the patient-practitioner relationship, treatment-beliefs or therapeutic setting. A systematic review with meta-analysis of contextual effects in chronic musculoskeletal pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024:1-51. [PMID: 38687160 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2024.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether manipulating contextual effects (e.g. interaction with patients, or beliefs about treatments) boosted the outcomes of non-pharmacological and non-surgicaltreatments for chronic primary musculoskeletal pain. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. DATA SOURCES: We searched for trials in six databases, citation tracking, and clinical trials registers. We included trials that compared treatments with enhanced contextual effects with the same treatments without enhancement in adults with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain. DATA SYNTHESIS: The outcomes of interest were pain intensity, physical functioning, global ratings of improvement, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and sleep. We evaluated risk of bias and certainty of the evidence using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 and the GRADE approach, respectively. RESULTS: Of 17637 records, we included 10 trials with 990 participants and identified 5 ongoing trials. The treatments were acupuncture, education, exercise training, and physical therapy. The contextual effects that were improved in the enhanced treatments were patient-practitioner relationship, patient beliefs and characteristics, therapeutic setting/environment, and treatment characteristics. Our analysis showed that improving contextual effects in non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatments may not make much difference on pain intensity (mean difference [MD] : -1.77, 95%-CI: [-8.71; 5.16], k = 7 trials, N = 719 participants, Scale: 0-100, GRADE: Low)) or physical functioning (MD: -0.27, 95%-CI: [-1.02; 0.49], 95%-PI: [-2.04; 1.51], k = 6 , N = 567, Scale: 0-10, GRADE: Low) in the short-term and at later follow-ups. Sensitivity analyses revealed similar findings. CONCLUSION: Whilst evidence gaps exist, per current evidence it may not be possible to achieve meaningful benefit for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain by manipulating the context of non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This systematic review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023391601).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Saueressig
- Physio Meets Science GmbH, Johannes Reidel Str. 19, 69181 Leimen; Germany
| | - Patrick J Owen
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Hugo Pedder
- University of Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, UK
| | - Nitin Kumar Arora
- (Hochschule für Gesundheit [University of Applied Sciences], Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Bochum
- German Sport University, Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marieke Simons
- (Hochschule für Gesundheit [University of Applied Sciences], Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Bochum
| | - Svenja Kaczorowski
- (Hochschule für Gesundheit [University of Applied Sciences], Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Bochum
| | - Clint T Miller
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Lars Donath
- German Sport University, Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel L Belavy
- (Hochschule für Gesundheit [University of Applied Sciences], Department of Applied Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Bochum
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Poulter D, Miciak M, Durham J, Palese A, Rossettini G. Don't be a nocebo! Why healthcare organizations should value patients' expectations. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1393179. [PMID: 38694433 PMCID: PMC11061517 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1393179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Poulter
- MT3 Clinical Education and Consulting, Coon Rapids, MN, United States
| | - Maxi Miciak
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jerry Durham
- Client Experience Company, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alvisa Palese
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossettini
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome “Sapienza Roma”, Rome, Italy
- Musculoskeletal Pain and Motor Control Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Musculoskeletal Pain and Motor Control Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
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Daniali H, Ruben MA, Aslaksen PM, Fiskum C, Kaptchuk TJ, Flaten MA. The Effect of Singular Nonverbal Behaviours of Experimenters on Pain Reports. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1345-1360. [PMID: 38584862 PMCID: PMC10999184 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s449150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies suggest facial expressions of caregivers may be important in placebo effects; however, this has not been systematically tested. This experiment investigated the effects of caregivers' singular positive nonverbal behaviours (NBs) on pain reports. Methods Fifty-one males and 53 females (total of 104) participants were randomized to four groups that were displayed positive facial expressions, tone of voice, body movement, or neutral NBs of videotaped experimenters. Subjective reports of pain, stress, arousal, and cardiac activity were obtained in a pre-test, a conditioning phase, and at a post-test. Four minutes of heat pain was induced in each test, and a placebo cream was administered before the conditioning and post-test in all groups. Results There were no differences between the NB groups in the reduced pain. Males had larger reduction in pain in the post-test, and females had lower arousal than the opposite sex. During the conditioning, females had larger reduction in pain ie, unconditioned pain response (UPR). In females, the UPR predicted the reinforced expectation ie, increase in expectations from conditioning to post-test, and fear of minor pain negatively predicted both the UPR and reinforced expectation. Discussion Singular NBs of caregiver were weak to enhance placebo effects. Females had lower pain during conditioning, and the UPR amplitude in females was associated with positive expectations. Moreover, for females, fear of minor pain weakened the UPR and expectations of cream. Conclusion No NB of caregivers is more effective in reducing pain. Caregivers' NBs are less effective when displayed individually. Males and females may be different in underlying mechanisms of placebo effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojjat Daniali
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mollie A Ruben
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Per M Aslaksen
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Charlotte Fiskum
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ted J Kaptchuk
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/ Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Magne A Flaten
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Meeuwis SH, Kłosowska J, Bajcar EA, Wasylewski MT, Badzińska J, Rubanets D, Di Nardo M, Mazzoni G, Bąbel P. Placebo Hypoalgesia and Nocebo Hyperalgesia Induced by Observational Learning May Be Difficult to Disentangle in a Laboratory Setting. J Pain 2024; 25:805-818. [PMID: 37871681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Observational learning (OBL) (seeing pain/pain treatment in others) can evoke placebo hypoalgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia. Data that compare these effects and illuminates the role of expectations and empathy are scarce. Healthy participants (n = 105) were randomized to: 1) placebo OBL, 2) nocebo OBL, or 3) no-observation control group. OBL consisted of a model simulating pain relief or increase after a sham ointment was applied to one arm. Pain was evoked with thermal stimuli on both arms (ointment, contralateral) at baseline and postobservation. Expectations, pain ratings, and physiological data (eg, skin conductance level) were collected. A 3 × 2 × 2 (Group × Arm × Phase) mixed analyses of variance revealed a 3-way interaction that confirmed that OBL modulates pain: F(2, 93) = 6.08, P = .003, ηp2 = .12. Significant baseline-to-post-observation pain increases were shown in the nocebo OBL group, with a bigger increase for the arm with ointment (both P ≤ .007). In the placebo OBL group, pain was higher for the contralateral relative to the ointment arm (P < .001). Baseline-to-post-observation pain increase was significant for the contralateral arm (P < .001). Expectation mediated these effects. Skin conductance level decreased over time during ointment trials in the nocebo OBL group, suggesting reduced physiological arousal. The findings illustrate that OBL modulates pain through expectations. In the placebo OBL group, the pain did not decrease for the ointment but increased for the contralateral stimuli, which may reflect nocebo learning. Experimental OBL paradigms typically examine relative differences between ointment and contralateral cues. This can complicate disentangling placebo hypoalgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia in laboratory settings. Implications for existing theories are discussed. PERSPECTIVE: Data that systematically compare placebo hypoalgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia induced by OBL are scarce. The current work illustrates that these effects may be more difficult to disentangle than previously assumed, which could have implications for existing theories on OBL and placebo effects and their translation to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Meeuwis
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Kłosowska
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Elżbieta A Bajcar
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz T Wasylewski
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Julia Badzińska
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Doctoral School in the Social Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Daryna Rubanets
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Doctoral School in the Social Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marianna Di Nardo
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuliana Mazzoni
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Przemysław Bąbel
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Manaï M, van Middendorp H, van der Pol JA, Allaart CF, Dusseldorp E, Veldhuijzen DS, Huizinga TWJ, Evers AWM. Can Pharmacological Conditioning as an Add-On Treatment Optimize Standard Pharmacological Treatment in Patients with Recent-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Proof-of-Principle Randomized Clinical Trial. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:110. [PMID: 38256943 PMCID: PMC10819065 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Medication regimens using conditioning via variable reinforcement have shown similar or improved therapeutic effects as full pharmacological treatment, but evidence in patient populations is scarce. This proof-of-principle double-blind randomized clinical trial examined whether treatment effects in recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be optimized through pharmacological conditioning. After four months of standardized treatment (n = 46), patients in clinical remission (n = 19) were randomized to the Control group (C), continuing standardized treatment (n = 8), or the Pharmacological Conditioning (PC) group, receiving variable treatment according to conditioning principles (n = 11). After eight months, treatment was tapered and discontinued linearly (C) or variably (PC). Standard treatment led to large improvements in disease activity and HRQoL in both groups. The groups did not differ in the percentage of drug-free clinical remission obtained after conditioning or continued standard treatment. The PC group did show a larger decrease in self-reported disease activity (Cohen's d = 0.9) and a smaller increase in TNF-α levels (Cohen's d = 0.7) than the C group. During all phases, more differences between groups were found for the patients who followed protocol than for the intention-to-treat sample. Although the results are not conclusive, pharmacological conditioning may have some advantages in terms of disease progression and stability, especially during the conditioning phase, compared with standard clinical treatment. The effects may be particularly beneficial for patients who show a good initial response to increased medication dosages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Manaï
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.M.); (H.v.M.); (D.S.V.)
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.M.); (H.v.M.); (D.S.V.)
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies Leiden, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joy A. van der Pol
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (J.A.v.d.P.); (C.F.A.); (T.W.J.H.)
| | - Cornelia F. Allaart
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (J.A.v.d.P.); (C.F.A.); (T.W.J.H.)
| | - Elise Dusseldorp
- Methodology and Statistics Unit, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Dieuwke S. Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.M.); (H.v.M.); (D.S.V.)
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies Leiden, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W. J. Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (J.A.v.d.P.); (C.F.A.); (T.W.J.H.)
| | - Andrea W. M. Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.M.); (H.v.M.); (D.S.V.)
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies Leiden, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Medical Delta (Collaboration of Leiden University, Technical University Delft and Erasmus University), 2629 JH Delft, The Netherlands
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Meeuwis SH, Wasylewski MT, Bajcar EA, Bieniek H, Adamczyk WM, Honcharova S, Di Nardo M, Mazzoni G, Bąbel P. Learning pain from others: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on placebo hypoalgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia induced by observational learning. Pain 2023; 164:2383-2396. [PMID: 37326688 PMCID: PMC10578425 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Observing someone experience pain relief or exacerbation after an intervention may induce placebo hypoalgesia or nocebo hyperalgesia. Understanding the factors that contribute to these effects could help in the development of strategies for optimizing treatment of chronic pain conditions. We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the literature on placebo hypoalgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia induced by observational learning (OL). A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, and Academic Search Ultimate. Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review, 17 of which were suitable for meta-analysis (18 experiments; n = 764 healthy individuals). The primary end point was the standardized mean difference (SMD) for pain following placebo cues associated during OL with low vs high pain. Observational learning had a small-to-medium effect on pain ratings (SMD 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.68; P < 0.01) and a large effect on pain expectancy (SMD 1.11; 95% CI 0.49-2.04; P < 0.01). The type of observation (in-person vs videotaped) modulated the magnitude of placebo hypoalgesia/nocebo hyperalgesia ( P < 0.01), whereas placebo type did not ( P = 0.23). Finally, OL was more effective when observers' empathic concern (but no other empathy-related factors) was higher ( r = 0.14; 95% CI 0.01-0.27; P = 0.03). Overall, the meta-analysis demonstrates that OL can shape placebo hypoalgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia. More research is needed to identify predictors of these effects and to study them in clinical populations. In the future, OL could be an important tool to help maximize placebo hypoalgesia in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H. Meeuwis
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz T. Wasylewski
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Kraków, Poland
| | - Elżbieta A. Bajcar
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Kraków, Poland
| | - Helena Bieniek
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Kraków, Poland
| | - Wacław M. Adamczyk
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Kraków, Poland
- The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Katowice, Poland
| | - Sofiia Honcharova
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marianna Di Nardo
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Mazzoni
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Przemysław Bąbel
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Kraków, Poland
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Daniali H, Ruben MA, Flaten MA. Systematic manipulation of experimenters' non-verbal behaviors for the investigation of pain reports and placebo effects. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1248127. [PMID: 38023052 PMCID: PMC10644817 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1248127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Non-verbal behaviors (NBs) of caregivers affect pain reports and placebo effects. However, little experimental research has systematically examined the caregivers' NBs. This study protocol and preparatory study report a systematic manipulation of experimenters' NBs to investigate pain report and placebo effects. Methods We propose an experiment in which videotaped experimenters (VEs) conduct a pain stimulation and a placebo treatment study. The VEs express one positively enhanced NB and keep the other NBs neutral. Participants will be randomized to either the positive facial expressions (+FE), tone of voice (+TV), body movement (+BM), or neutral NBs (i.e., neutral condition; NC) of the VEs. As a preparatory study for proof of concept, two groups of NB coders from Norway and the USA separately rated the degree of NBs (eye contact, body postures and movements, and tone of voice), and impressions of dominance and being in charge, positivity, and expressivity from each NB video. The NB videos had construct validity and reliability. The +BM and +FE were rated as more dominant and in charge than the +TV and the NC. The +FE and +BM were rated as the most positive and expressive NBs, respectively. Expected results +FE will have the largest placebo effects on pain and stress levels. However, transmitting the NBs to patients by VEs is challenging. Moreover, controlling for the effects of research assistants present in the testing room is challenging. Discussion We propose that caregivers' NBs affect pain reports and placebo effects. Moreover, different NBs elicit different impressions, and a better understanding of the role of caregiver NBs requires more rigorous investigations. Lastly, aiming to investigate the caregiver NBs, the varying degrees of micro-NBs and their effects on the formation of impressions should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojjat Daniali
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mollie A. Ruben
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Magne Arve Flaten
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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10
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Tunçgenç B, Bamford JS, Fawcett C, Cohen E. The Synchrony-Prosociality Link Cannot Be Explained Away as Expectancy Effect: Response to Atwood et al. (). Open Mind (Camb) 2023; 7:711-714. [PMID: 37840755 PMCID: PMC10575548 DOI: 10.1162/opmi_a_00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Moving in time to others, as is often observed in dance, music, sports and much of children's play cross-culturally, is thought to make people feel and act more prosocially towards each other. In a recent paper, Atwood et al. (2022) argued that the inferential validity of this link found between synchronous behaviour and prosociality might be mainly due to "expectancy effects generated by a combination of (1) experimenter expectancy, leading to experimenter bias; and (2) participant expectancy (i.e., placebo effects)". Here, we counter these arguments with (1) examples of studies devoid of experimenter expectancy effects that nevertheless demonstrate a positive link between synchrony and prosociality, and (2) insights from the developmental literature that address participant expectancy by showing how expectations formed through lived experiences of synchronous interactions do not necessarily threaten inferential validity. In conclusion, there is already sufficient good-quality evidence showing the positive effects of synchronous behaviours on prosociality beyond what can be explained by experimenter or participant expectation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Tunçgenç
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
- Social Body Lab, Institute of Human Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joshua S. Bamford
- Social Body Lab, Institute of Human Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | | - Emma Cohen
- Social Body Lab, Institute of Human Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wadham College, Oxford, UK
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11
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Blythe JS, Thomaidou MA, Peerdeman KJ, van Laarhoven AI, van Schothorst MM, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AW. Placebo effects on cutaneous pain and itch: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental results and methodology. Pain 2023; 164:1181-1199. [PMID: 36718994 PMCID: PMC10184563 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Placebo effects, positive treatment outcomes that go beyond treatment processes, can alter sensations through learning mechanisms. Understanding how methodological factors contribute to the magnitude of placebo effects will help define the mechanisms by which these effects occur. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental placebo studies in cutaneous pain and itch in healthy samples, focused on how differences in methodology contribute to the resulting placebo effect magnitude. We conducted meta-analyses by learning mechanism and sensation, namely, for classical conditioning with verbal suggestion, verbal suggestion alone, and observational learning, separately for pain and itch. We conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression on the type of sensory stimuli, placebo treatment, number of acquisition and evocation trials, differences in calibrated intensities for placebo and control stimuli during acquisition, age, and sex. We replicated findings showing that a combination of classical conditioning with verbal suggestion induced larger placebo effects on pain ( k = 68, g = 0 . 59) than verbal suggestion alone ( k = 39, g = 0.38) and found a smaller effect for itch with verbal suggestion alone ( k = 7, g = 0.14). Using sham electrodes as placebo treatments corresponded with larger placebo effects on pain than when topical gels were used. Other methodological and demographic factors did not significantly affect placebo magnitudes. Placebo effects on pain and itch reliably occur in experimental settings with varied methods, and conditioning with verbal suggestion produced the strongest effects. Although methods may shape the placebo effect to some extent, these effects appear robust overall, and their underlying learning mechanisms may be harnessed for applications outside the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S. Blythe
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mia A. Thomaidou
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kaya J. Peerdeman
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antoinette I.M. van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Dieuwke S. Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea W.M. Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Medical Delta Healthy Society, Leiden University, Technical University Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
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12
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Meeuwis SH, Skvortsova A, van Laarhoven AIM, Holle H, Evers AWM. Can contagious itch be affected by positive and negative suggestions? Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1853-1862. [PMID: 36048562 PMCID: PMC10087404 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Contagious itch can be evoked by observing people scratching. Verbal suggestions about to-be-received itch can influence itch intensity, as shown by placebo research, but it is unknown whether this extends to contagious itch. The current study aimed to replicate prior findings that listening to scratching and rubbing sounds elicits contagious itch, and to investigate whether suggestions can modulate this process. Healthy participants (n = 140) received positive or negative suggestions about itch in response to the sounds (aimed to decrease or increase expected itch, respectively), or no specific suggestions as a control. Participants listened to a number of audio fragments with scratching and rubbing sounds. The amount of expected itch as well as itch sensation after each audio fragment were measured by self-report. Suggestions had no effect on the expected itch. Both rubbing and scratching sounds significantly elicited itch in all groups. Scratching sounds induced more itch than rubbing sounds exclusively in the control group. These findings indicate that short suggestions might be not effective enough to modify the expectations of people regarding contagious itch. Furthermore, suggestions modulate contagious itch to some degree, but not in the hypothesized direction. Potential similarities and differences in the neurobiological mechanisms of contagious itch and nocebo effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Meeuwis
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksandrina Skvortsova
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antoinette I M van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Henning Holle
- Department of Psychology, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Medical Delta Healthy Society, Leiden University, Technical University Delft & Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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13
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Rossettini G, Colombi A, Carlino E, Manoni M, Mirandola M, Polli A, Camerone EM, Testa M. Unraveling Negative Expectations and Nocebo-Related Effects in Musculoskeletal Pain. Front Psychol 2022; 13:789377. [PMID: 35369173 PMCID: PMC8966654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.789377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This Perspective adapts the ViolEx Model, a framework validated in several clinical conditions, to better understand the role of expectations in the recovery and/or maintenance of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Here, particular attention is given to the condition in which dysfunctional expectations are maintained despite no longer being supported by confirmatory evidence (i.e., belief-lifting the arm leads to permanent tendon damage; evidence-after the patient lifts the arm no tendon damage occurs). While the ViolEx Model suggests that cognitive immunization strategies are responsible for the maintenance of dysfunctional expectations, we suggest that such phenomenon can also be understood from a Bayesian Brain perspective, according to which the level of precision of the priors (i.e., expectations) is the determinant factor accounting for the extent of priors' updating (i.e., we merge the two frameworks, suggesting that highly precise prior can lead to cognitive immunization responses). Importantly, this Perspective translates the theory behind these two frameworks into clinical suggestions. Precisely, it is argued that different strategies should be implemented when treating MSK pain patients, depending on the nature of their expectations (i.e., positive or negative and the level of their precision).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Rossettini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,School of Physiotherapy, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Colombi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Carlino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | - Mattia Manoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion (PAIN) Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Research Foundation, Flanders (FWO) Postdoctoral Fellow, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eleonora Maria Camerone
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Testa
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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14
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Weng L, van Laarhoven AIM, Peerdeman KJ, Evers AWM. Do individual psychological characteristics predict induction and generalization of nocebo and placebo effects on pain and itch? Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:838578. [PMID: 35990075 PMCID: PMC9386339 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.838578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nocebo and placebo effects, i.e., adverse or beneficial treatment effects, respectively, putatively due to expectancies can modulate pain and itch. These effects can generalize within the pain or itch modality. Predicting the induction and generalization of these effects can be helpful in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate whether psychological characteristics related to the fear-avoidance model predict the induction and generalization of nocebo and placebo effects on pain and itch in young healthy participants. METHODS Data from two previous experiments were analyzed. In Experiment 1, we induced nocebo and placebo effects on heat pain and tested generalization to pressure pain and to cowhage-evoked itch (n = 33 in a nocebo group, n = 32 in a placebo group). In Experiment 2, we induced nocebo effects on cowhage-evoked itch and tested generalization to mechanical itch and to mechanical touch (n = 44). Potential predictors were anxiety- and stress symptoms, attention to pain/itch, and pain/itch catastrophizing. Multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS For nocebo effects, none of the individual psychological characteristics significantly predicted induction of nocebo effects nor their generalization. For placebo effects, only less stress symptoms, lower attention to pain, and higher pain catastrophizing weakly predicted a stronger generalization of placebo effects from heat pain to pressure pain. CONCLUSION The tested psychological characteristics may not play an important role in the induction and generalization of nocebo and placebo effects in healthy individuals. However, firm conclusions cannot be drawn with the current sample. Future studies should validate findings in larger and more diverse samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Weng
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Antoinette I M van Laarhoven
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Kaya J Peerdeman
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Medical Delta, Leiden University, Technical University Delft, Rotterdam University, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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15
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Bedford T, Kisaalita N, Haycock NR, Mullins CD, Wright T, Curatolo M, Hamlin L, Colloca L. Attitudes Toward a Pre-authorized Concealed Opioid Taper: A Qualitative Analysis of Patient and Clinician Perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:820357. [PMID: 35401245 PMCID: PMC8987573 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.820357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard opioid tapers tend to be associated with increased patient anxiety and higher pain ratings. Pre-authorized concealed opioid reductions may minimize expectations such as fear of increased pain due to the reduction of opioids and, prolong analgesic benefits in experimental settings. We recently observed that patients and clinicians are open to concealed opioid tapering. However, little is known about the "why" behind their attitudes. Based on this lack of data, we analyzed qualitative responses to survey questions on patients' and clinicians' acceptance of a concealed opioid reduction for chronic pain. Seventy-four patients with a history of high dose opioid therapy and 49 clinicians completed a web-based questionnaire with open-ended questions examining responses to two hypothetical clinical trials comparing a concealed opioid reduction pre-authorized by patients vs. standard tapering. We used content analysis based on qualitative descriptive methodology to analyze comments from the patients and clinicians. Five themes were identified: informed consent; anxiety; safety; support; and ignorance is bliss, or not. These themes highlight the overall positive attitudes toward concealed opioid tapers. Our findings reinforce the importance of patient-centered care and are expected to inform the design of clinical trials from both the patient and clinician perspective. This qualitative study presents patients' and clinicians' attitudes toward hypothetical scenarios for a trial of pre-authorized reduction of opioids. The findings indicate positive attitudes and the relevance of engaging patients with effective decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Bedford
- 711 Human Performance Wing, En Route Care, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH, United States
| | - Nkaku Kisaalita
- Mental Health Service Line, Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Nathaniel R Haycock
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - C Daniel Mullins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Thelma Wright
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michele Curatolo
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lynette Hamlin
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Graduate School of Nursing, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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16
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Rosenkjær S, Lunde SJ, Kirsch I, Vase L. Expectations: How and when do they contribute to placebo analgesia? Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:817179. [PMID: 36147975 PMCID: PMC9488555 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.817179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In placebo research, expectations are highlighted as one of the most influential subjective factors. While some studies have shown a relationship between expectations and pain relief, others have not. However, little is known about how methods of assessment of expectations may affect these conclusions. One of the fundamental considerations is that participants in placebo trials rate their expectations when prompted to rate them on scales in advance, but are less likely to report their prior expectations, when asked to report their experience retroactively in an unprompted manner, often expressing, for example, prior hope or wishes of recovery. This article presents previously unpublished data to elucidate and explore the concepts highlighted by individuals in a placebo analgesia trial when assessed in a prompted and unprompted manner. The data corroborates the role of expectations involved in placebo effects, particularly in placebo analgesia. Thus, the question may be a matter of how and when expectations contribute to placebo effects, rather than if.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Rosenkjær
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sigrid Juhl Lunde
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Irving Kirsch
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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17
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Atwood S, Schachner A, Mehr SA. Expectancy Effects Threaten the Inferential Validity of Synchrony-Prosociality Research. Open Mind (Camb) 2022; 6:280-290. [PMID: 36891035 PMCID: PMC9987344 DOI: 10.1162/opmi_a_00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies argue that synchronized movement increases prosocial attitudes and behavior. We reviewed meta-analytic evidence that reported effects of synchrony may be driven by experimenter expectancy, leading to experimenter bias; and participant expectancy, otherwise known as placebo effects. We found that a majority of published studies do not adequately control for experimenter bias and that multiple independent replication attempts with added controls have failed to find the original effects. In a preregistered experiment, we measured participant expectancy directly, asking whether participants have a priori expectations about synchrony and prosociality that match the findings in published literature. Expectations about the effects of synchrony on prosocial attitudes directly mirrored previous experimental findings (including both positive and null effects)-despite the participants not actually engaging in synchrony. On the basis of this evidence, we propose an alternative account of the reported bottom-up effects of synchrony on prosociality: the effects of synchrony on prosociality may be explicable as the result of top-down expectations invoked by placebo and experimenter effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Atwood
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA
| | - Adena Schachner
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109 USA
| | - Samuel A Mehr
- Haskins Laboratories, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511 USA.,School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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18
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Meeuwis SH, van Middendorp H, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AWM. Associations Between Interindividual Differences, Expectations and Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Itch. Front Psychol 2021; 12:781521. [PMID: 34966334 PMCID: PMC8711701 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.781521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Placebo and nocebo effects are positive and negative health outcomes that can be elicited by the psychosocial context. They can be mediated by expectations, and may emerge in somatic symptoms even when people are aware of these effects. Interindividual differences (e.g., in personality, affective states) could impact placebo and nocebo responding, but findings are inconsistent. Methods: The current work examined expectation as a mediator of the association between verbal placebo and nocebo suggestions (VSs) and histamine-induced itch across three experimental studies. Moreover, we examined whether interindividual differences (e.g., in optimism, neuroticism, behavioral activation system (BAS), body ignorance) modulated: (1) the direct association between VSs and itch (direct moderation), and (2) the indirect, expectation-mediated association between VSs and itch (moderated mediation). Positive VSs were compared to neutral instructions (Study 1; n = 92) or negative VSs (Studies 2+3; n = 203) in an open-label (i.e., explaining placebo and nocebo effects) or closed-label (concealed) context using PROCESS. First, mediation of VSs effects on itch by expectations was tested. Next, moderation by individual traits was explored using conditional process analyses. Results: The effects of VSs on itch were significantly mediated by expectation in Study 1 and in the open-label (but not closed-label) contexts of Studies 2 and 3. Ignorance of bodily signals marginally moderated the direct effects of VSs on itch when closed-label suggestions were given: at low levels of body ignorance, effects of positive and negative VSs were stronger. Moreover, moderated mediation was observed in the open-label groups of Studies 2 and 3: The expectation-mediated effects of VSs on itch were stronger when BAS drive was lower. Conclusion: Overall, the effects of VSs on itch were mediated by expectations in the open-label, but not the closed-label context. Moreover, the current work suggests that placebo and nocebo effects may be moderated by ignorance of bodily signals and the BAS. There was limited evidence that other interindividual differences modulated placebo and nocebo responding in itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie H Meeuwis
- Pain Research Group, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke S Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Medical Delta Healthy Society, Leiden University, Technical University Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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19
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Schneider R. The increase in urinary serotonin and decrease in salivary cortisol concentrations following direct inhalations of concentrated essential oils is not induced by non-specific effects. Endocr Regul 2021; 55:215-23. [PMID: 34879187 DOI: 10.2478/enr-2021-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. The effectiveness of exogenously triggered serotonin (e.g., dietary supplements, drugs) increase is varied. However, since urinary serotonin concentrations were found to correlate with those in the cerebrospinal fluid, the olfactory system might be an efficient and testable pathway to quickly elevate serotonin levels due to its fast-acting central neurophysiological and peripheral pathways. However, little research has been devoted to investigate this assumption. This paper extends previous findings of parasympathetic activation of a specially designed essential oil inhaler (AromaStick® Balance) by experimentally testing its impact on urine serotonin and saliva cortisol excretion. Method. Two experiments involving healthy individuals were conducted to test the efficacy of essential oil application to the nose by employing different inhalation protocols and control conditions. Results. In the pilot study (n=8), serotonin urine excretion was increased after six inhalations (effect size Cohen's d=0.7). In the second experiment (n=80), inhalations proved superior to both the natural control condition and the pseudo placebo condition after three and six inhalation cycles (0.6<d<1.8). In addition, there was a large reduction of cortisol saliva levels after three inhalations (d=0.9). Conclusion. Short and deep inhalations of essential oil scents directly delivered to the olfac-tory system appear to result in an enhanced serotonin and a reduced cortisol release in healthy individuals of both sexes.
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20
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Liu P, Zhang X, Zhou R. The Mindset of Intelligence Is Not a Contributor of Placebo Effects in Working Memory Training. Front Psychol 2021; 12:712309. [PMID: 34803800 PMCID: PMC8600330 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.712309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether working memory training is effective in enhancing fluid intelligence remains in dispute. Several researchers, who doubt the training benefits, consider that placebo effects may be the reason for positive training gains. One of the vital variables that may induce the placebo effect is the mindset of intelligence. In this article, we provide a test of whether the mindset of intelligence leads to placebo effects in working memory training. Participants were overtly recruited and allocated to the growth mindset group or the fixed mindset group by Theories of Intelligence Scale scores. A single, 1 h session working memory training is the cue to introduce the placebo effects. During pre/post-testing, all participants completed tasks measuring working memory capacity (near transfer) and fluid intelligence (far transfer). Our findings show no significant difference between the two groups in both tasks. Therefore, these results suggest that the placebo effect does not exist in this study, which means individuals' mindset of intelligence may not be a contributor to the placebo effect in 1 h working memory training. This research will further help to clarify the mechanism of the placebo effect in working memory training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peibing Liu
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Smart Home Solution BU of Innovation Business Group, TCL Industries Holdings Co., Ltd., Huizhou, China
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Smith KA, Vennik J, Morrison L, Hughes S, Steele M, Tiwari R, Bostock J, Howick J, Mallen C, Little P, Ratnapalan M, Lyness E, Misurya P, Leydon GM, Dambha-Miller H, Everitt HA, Bishop FL. Harnessing Placebo Effects in Primary Care: Using the Person-Based Approach to Develop an Online Intervention to Enhance Practitioners' Communication of Clinical Empathy and Realistic Optimism During Consultations. Front Pain Res (Lausanne) 2021; 2:721222. [PMID: 35295512 PMCID: PMC8915751 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.721222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Empathic communication and positive messages are important components of "placebo" effects and can improve patient outcomes, including pain. Communicating empathy and optimism to patients within consultations may also enhance the effects of verum, i.e., non-placebo, treatments. This is particularly relevant for osteoarthritis, which is common, costly and difficult to manage. Digital interventions can be effective tools for changing practitioner behavior. This paper describes the systematic planning, development and optimization of an online intervention-"Empathico"-to help primary healthcare practitioners enhance their communication of clinical empathy and realistic optimism during consultations. Methods: The Person-Based Approach to intervention development was used. This entailed integrating insights from placebo and behavior change theory and evidence, and conducting primary and secondary qualitative research. Systematic literature reviews identified barriers, facilitators, and promising methods for enhancing clinical empathy and realistic optimism. Qualitative studies explored practitioners' and patients' perspectives, initially on the communication of clinical empathy and realistic optimism and subsequently on different iterations of the Empathico intervention. Insights from the literature reviews, qualitative studies and public contributor input were integrated into a logic model, behavioral analysis and principles that guided intervention development and optimization. Results: The Empathico intervention comprises 7 sections: Introduction, Empathy, Optimism, Application of Empathico for Osteoarthritis, Reflection on my Consultations, Setting Goals and Further Resources. Iterative refinement of Empathico, using feedback from patients and practitioners, resulted in highly positive feedback and helped to (1) contextualize evidence-based recommendations from placebo studies within the complexities of primary healthcare consultations and (2) ensure the intervention addressed practitioners' and patients' concerns and priorities. Conclusions: We have developed an evidence-based, theoretically-grounded intervention that should enable practitioners to better harness placebo effects of communication in consultations. The extensive use of qualitative research throughout the development and optimization process ensured that Empathico is highly acceptable and meaningful to practitioners. This means that practitioners are more likely to engage with Empathico and make changes to enhance their communication of clinical empathy and realistic optimism in clinical practice. Empathico is now ready to be evaluated in a large-scale randomized trial to explore its impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A. Smith
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Vennik
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Morrison
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Hughes
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Steele
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Riya Tiwari
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Bostock
- Policy Innovation & Evaluation Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Howick
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Mallen
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mohana Ratnapalan
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Lyness
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Pranati Misurya
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Geraldine M. Leydon
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Hajira Dambha-Miller
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel A. Everitt
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Felicity L. Bishop
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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22
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Bisconti M, Venturin D, Bianco A, Capurso V, Giovannico G. Understanding Contextual Factors Effects and Their Implications for Italian Physiotherapists: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:689. [PMID: 34200302 PMCID: PMC8226546 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using Google Docs software. The aim was to understand the management of contextual factors and to identify which are most relevant and which clinicians underestimate. A total of 1250 physiotherapists were chosen from the database of the Manual Therapists group mailing list (GTM-IFOMPT MO) from July to August 2020. A total of 699 responses were received that were considered valid (56%). Participants (40.83%) identified contextual factors (CFs) as "any element, even involuntary, with which the patient interacts during treatment". Physiotherapists individually chose the representation of CF with the "therapeutic relationship" (82.9%), followed by "therapeutic setting" (75.8%). This choice differed between participants belonging to different age groups. Participants favor communication strategies (76.93%). More than half (57.88%) pay attention to patient involvement during the course of care; and in response to the patients' doubts about the use of treatments with limited scientific efficacy, they suggest different medical treatments. The patient's previous clinical experience is not considered significant and does not influence the choice of treatment. Subsequently, however, the participants reported that they stimulate the patients' positive expectations of the success of the clinical outcome (45.27%). Knowledge of contextual factors in physiotherapy appears limited and very heterogeneous. Future research could increase the focus on professional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Bisconti
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, c/o Cardarelli Hospital, C/da Tappino, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.B.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy, Physiotherapy Department UPMC Italy Salvator Mundi International Hospital, Viale delle Mura Gianicolensi 67, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Venturin
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, c/o Cardarelli Hospital, C/da Tappino, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.B.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Kinè Physiotherapic Center, 31020 San Vendemiano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bianco
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, c/o Cardarelli Hospital, C/da Tappino, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.B.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
- Reha Medica, Centro Medico di Riabilitazione, 70014 Conversano, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Giovannico
- Department of Medicine and Health Science “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, c/o Cardarelli Hospital, C/da Tappino, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.B.); (A.B.); (G.G.)
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23
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Schienle A, Jurinec N. Combined Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Placebo Treatment for Patients with Depression: A Follow-Up Assessment. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2021; 14:233-238. [PMID: 33654440 PMCID: PMC7912085 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s294940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A previous study revealed that patients with depression who received a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and placebo treatment (CBT+placebo) showed greater symptom reduction than a CBT group without a placebo. Moreover, the CBT+placebo group practiced relaxation training more frequently. We conducted a 3-month follow-up assessment to investigate the temporal stability of the placebo effects. Methods Eighty-two outpatients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who had participated in a 4-week CBT course (CBT: n = 40; CBT with daily placebo treatment: n = 42) returned to a 3-month follow-up assessment. The participants of the CBT+placebo group had been debriefed directly after the course. Results Compared to the CBT group, the CBT+placebo group had lower scores on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) at follow-up and more participants were below the clinical cut-off score of the BDI-II. Additionally, the CBT+placebo group continued to practice relaxation more frequently. Discussion This study demonstrates that placebo effects are not short-lived and continue to be present after the debriefing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Instiute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nina Jurinec
- Instiute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Community Health Center Gornja Radgona, Gornja Radgona, Slovenia
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24
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Pfaar O, Agache I, Bergmann K, Bindslev‐Jensen C, Bousquet J, Creticos PS, Devillier P, Durham SR, Hellings P, Kaul S, Kleine‐Tebbe J, Klimek L, Jacobsen L, Jutel M, Muraro A, Papadopoulos NG, Rief W, Scadding GK, Schedlowski M, Shamji MH, Sturm G, Ree R, Vidal C, Vieths S, Wedi B, Gerth van Wijk R, Frew AJ. Placebo effects in allergen immunotherapy-An EAACI Task Force Position Paper. Allergy 2021; 76:629-647. [PMID: 32324902 DOI: 10.1111/all.14331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The placebo (Latin "I will please") effect commonly occurs in clinical trials. The psychological and physiological factors associated with patients' expectations about a treatment's positive and negative effects have yet to be well characterized, although a functional prefrontal cortex and intense bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the immune system appear to be prerequisites for a placebo effect. The use of placebo raises certain ethical issues, especially if patients in a placebo group are denied an effective treatment for a long period of time. The placebo effect appears to be relatively large (up to 77%, relative to pretreatment scores) in controlled clinical trials of allergen immunotherapy (AIT), such as the pivotal, double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) randomized clinical trials currently required by regulatory authorities worldwide. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) therefore initiated a Task Force, in order to better understand the placebo effect in AIT and its specific role in comorbidities, blinding issues, adherence, measurement time points, variability and the natural course of the disease. In this Position Paper, the EAACI Task Force highlights several important topics regarding the placebo effect in AIT such as a) regulatory aspects, b) neuroimmunological and psychological mechanisms, c) placebo effect sizes in AIT trials, d) methodological limitations in AIT trial design and e) potential solutions in future AIT trial design. In conclusion, this Position Paper aims to examine the methodological problem of placebo in AIT from different aspects and also to highlight unmet needs and possible solutions for future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Pfaar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Section of Rhinology and Allergy University Hospital Marburg Philipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
| | | | - Karl‐Christian Bergmann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin Berlin Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health Allergy‐Centre‐Charité Berlin Germany
| | - Carsten Bindslev‐Jensen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre Odense University Hospital Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA) Odense Denmark
| | - Jean Bousquet
- MACVIA‐France Montpellier France
- University Hospital Montpellier Montpellier France
| | - Peter S. Creticos
- Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
- Creticos Research Group Crownsville MD USA
| | - Philippe Devillier
- Department of Airway Diseases, Exhalomics, Hôpital Foch Université Paris‐Saclay Suresnes France
| | - Stephen R. Durham
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College London London UK
| | - Peter Hellings
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology University Hospitals of Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Academic Medical Center University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience University of Ghent Ghent Belgium
| | - Susanne Kaul
- Paul‐Ehrlich‐Institut Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines Langen Germany
| | - Jörg Kleine‐Tebbe
- Allergy & Asthma Center Westend Outpatient Clinic and Clinical Research Center Berlin Germany
| | - Ludger Klimek
- Center for Rhinology and Allergology Wiesbaden Germany
| | - Lars Jacobsen
- ALC, Allergy Learning and Consulting Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw Poland
- All‐Med Medical Research Institute Wroclaw Poland
| | - Antonella Muraro
- Food Allergy Referral Centre Padua University Hospital Padua Padua Italy
| | - Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos
- Division of Infection Immunity & Respiratory Medicine University of Manchester Manchester UK
- Allergy Department 2nd Pediatric Clinic University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Winfried Rief
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Philipps‐University of Marburg Marburg Germany
| | | | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology University Clinic Essen Essen Germany
| | - Mohamed H. Shamji
- National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College London London UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Imperial College London London UK
| | - Gunter Sturm
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
- Allergy Outpatient Clinic Reumannplatz Vienna Austria
| | - Ronald Ree
- Departments of Experimental Immunology and of Otorhinolaryngology Amsterdam University Medical Centers Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Vidal
- Department of Allergy and Faculty of Medicine University of Santiago de Compostela Santiago Spain
| | - Stefan Vieths
- Paul‐Ehrlich‐Institut Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines Langen Germany
| | - Bettina Wedi
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Comprehensive Allergy Center Hannover Germany
| | - Roy Gerth van Wijk
- Section of Allergology Department of Internal Medicine Erasmus MC Rotterdam the Netherlands
| | - Anthony J. Frew
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Royal Sussex County Hospital University of Sussex and University of Brighton Brighton UK
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25
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Smits RM, Veldhuijzen DS, van Middendorp H, van der Heijden MJE, van Dijk M, Evers AWM. Integrating Placebo Effects in General Practice: A Cross-Sectional Survey to Investigate Perspectives From Health Care Professionals in the Netherlands. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:768135. [PMID: 35095592 PMCID: PMC8790122 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.768135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Placebo effects, beneficial treatment outcomes due to non-active treatment components, play an important role in the overall treatment response. To facilitate these beneficial effects it is important to explore the perspectives of health care professionals (HCPs) on the integration of placebo effects in clinical care. Three themes were investigated: knowledge about placebo effects and factors that contribute to these, frequency of placebo use, and attitudes toward acceptability and transparency of placebo use in treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys guidelines and STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE), was conducted in the Netherlands in 2020. The survey was conducted in two samples: a (nested) short survey in 78 nurses during working shifts (sample 1) and an extended online survey in 47 general HCPs e.g., medical psychologists, oncologists, surgeons (sample 2). Results: Respondents from both samples reported to be somewhat or quite familiar with placebo effects (24.0 and 47.2%, respectively). From the six placebo mechanisms that were presented, mind-body interaction, positive expectations, and brain activity involved in placebo effects were rated as the most influential factors in placebo effects [F(5,119) = 20.921, p < 0.001]. The use of placebo effects was reported in 53.8% (n = 42) of the nurses (e.g., by inducing positive expectations), and 17.4% of the HCPs (n = 8 reported to make use of pure placebos and 30.4% of impure placebos (n = 14). Attitudes toward placebo use in treatment were acceptant, and transparency was highly valued (both up to 51%). Conclusions: The findings from this study address knowledge gaps in placebo effects in practice and provide insights in attitudes toward the integration of placebo effects from HCPs. Altogether, integrating these findings may potentially optimize treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne M Smits
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dieuwke S Veldhuijzen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Henriët van Middendorp
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marianne J E van der Heijden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nursing Science, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Monique van Dijk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nursing Science, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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26
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Meeuwis SH, van Middendorp H, Lavrijsen APM, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AWM. Open- and Closed-Label Placebo and Nocebo Suggestions About a Sham Transdermal Patch. Psychosom Med 2021; 83:33-42. [PMID: 32969962 PMCID: PMC7748039 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Placebo effects may occur when it is known that an inert substance is given (i.e., open-label placebo). It is not yet clear whether these effects are similar to concealed (i.e., closed-label) placebo effects for itch or whether nocebo effects can be induced under open-label conditions. METHODS Healthy volunteers (n = 112) were randomized to an open-label (I) or closed-label (II) positive suggestions group, or an open-label (III) or closed-label (IV) negative suggestions group. Participants were told, as cover story, that a transdermal caffeine patch would be applied that positively influences cognitive abilities and, as a side effect, positively or negatively (depending on group allocation) influences itch. Participants in the open-label groups were given a rationale explaining placebo and nocebo effect mechanisms. Itch (the primary outcome) was induced at baseline and postsuggestions by histamine iontophoresis. RESULTS Analyses of variance revealed significantly lower itch in the positive compared with the negative suggestions groups for both open- and closed-label contexts (all, p ≤ .008, Cohen d ≥ 0.47). Self-rated skin response was less severe after positive versus negative suggestions (all, p ≤ .017, Cohen d ≥ 0.33), but no effects on physical skin response were found (all, p ≥ .23, Cohen d ≤ 0.30). CONCLUSIONS Itch can be reduced by positive compared with negative suggestions under both open- and closed-label conditions. These findings indicate that open-label suggestions may potentially be a tool to use placebo effects for self-reported outcomes in clinical practice, for example, by explaining the role of expectancy in treatment. It needs to be investigated further under which circumstances an open-label rationale may impact placebo and nocebo effects.Trial Registration:www.trialregister.nl; NTR7174.
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27
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Olson JA, Lifshitz M, Raz A, Veissière SPL. Super Placebos: A Feasibility Study Combining Contextual Factors to Promote Placebo Effects. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:644825. [PMID: 33746801 PMCID: PMC7970115 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.644825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ample evidence demonstrates that placebo effects are modulated by contextual factors. Few interventions, however, attempt to combine a broad range of these factors. Here, we explore the therapeutic power of placebos by leveraging factors including social proof, positive suggestion, and social learning. This study aimed to test the feasibility of an elaborate "super placebo" intervention to reduce symptoms of various disorders in a pediatric population. Methods: In a single-arm qualitative study, participants entered an inactive MRI scanner which they were told could help their brain heal itself through the power of suggestion. The sample included 11 children (6-13 years old) diagnosed with disorders known to be receptive to placebos and suggestion (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, chronic skin picking, and migraines). The children were given positive suggestions during 2-4 placebo machine sessions over the span of approximately 1 month. We assessed open-ended treatment outcomes via recorded interviews and home visits. Results: The procedure was feasible and no adverse events occurred. Ten of the 11 parents reported improvements in their children after the intervention, ranging from minor transient changes to long-term reductions in subjective and objective symptoms (e.g., migraines and skin lesions). Discussion: These preliminary findings demonstrate the feasibility and promise of combining a broad range of contextual factors in placebo studies. Future research is needed to assess the causal effects of such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A Olson
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Michael Lifshitz
- Department of Anthropology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Amir Raz
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, United States
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28
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Workman CD, Fietsam AC, Kamholz J, Rudroff T. Women report more severe sensations from 2 mA and 4 mA transcranial direct current stimulation than men. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:2696-2702. [PMID: 33259084 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Interest in transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to alter cortical excitability, facilitate neural plasticity, and improve performance is increasing. Subjects often report temporary stimulation-related sensations, which might distract from the task being performed or compromise blinding. tDCS is also prone to high outcome irregularity and one potential variability source is the biological sex of the subject. The purpose of this study was to re-analyze existing tolerability data to ascertain any sex differences in sensation severity and blinding guesses from tDCS at 2 mA and 4 mA. Each subject underwent tDCS at three randomly ordered intensities (sham, 2 mA, 4 mA), reported the severity sensations experienced, and guessed which tDCS condition they underwent (blinding). Women reported higher sensation severities than men from 2 mA and 4 mA tDCS and higher severities with increasing intensity (sham < 2 mA < 4 mA). Men reported similar severities in all stimulation conditions. Both sexes distinguished sham from 2 mA and 4 mA, and neither were able to discriminate between 2 mA from 4 mA. This study highlights differences in severity reports between women and men and adds to the growing body of literature, indicating that current sham methodologies might be inadequate to maintain blinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig D Workman
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alexandra C Fietsam
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - John Kamholz
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Thorsten Rudroff
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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29
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Rossettini G, Geri T, Palese A, Marzaro C, Mirandola M, Colloca L, Fiorio M, Turolla A, Manoni M, Testa M. What Physiotherapists Specialized in Orthopedic Manual Therapy Know About Nocebo-Related Effects and Contextual Factors: Findings From a National Survey. Front Psychol 2020; 11:582174. [PMID: 33192904 PMCID: PMC7606996 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.582174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of orthopedic manual therapists (OMTs) regarding context factors (CFs) capable of triggering nocebo effects during the treatment and how this knowledge is related to their socio-demographic features. Design A cross-sectional online survey. Setting National. Main Outcome Measures A 20 items questionnaire composed by open-ended and closed single-choice questions was administered to explore: (a) socio-demographic variables (10 questions); (b) the relation between different CFs and nocebo-related effects (2 questions); and (c) the knowledge of participants about nocebo-related effects and how they managed them in the clinical practice (8 questions). Participants 1288 OMTs were recruited from the database of the Master in Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MRDM) of the University of Genova from March to May 2019. Inclusion criteria were: (a) to possess a valid email account; (b) to understand and use as a native language the Italian; (c) to be graduated as OMTs; and (d) to be employed as physiotherapists specialized-OMTs during the survey. Results 791 responses were received (61.4%); 473 of them were male (59.8%), with an average age of 31.0 ± 7.1 years. OMTs defined nocebo-related effects as the psychosocial context effects around therapy and patient with specific biological bases (72.2%). OMTs know that their clinical practice is pervaded by nocebo-related effects (42.5%), triggered by CFs. Participants communicated nocebo-related effects balancing the positive features of the therapy with the negative ones (50.9%), during the decision of the therapeutic plan (42.7%). They reported associative learning as the main mechanism involved in nocebo-related effects (28.8%). OMTs taught and trained patient’s strategies to manage nocebo-related effects (39.6%) through an evaluation and correction of patient’s anxieties, doubts and expectations (37.7%). OMTs most frequently considered themselves to have a “medium” education about nocebo-related effects (48.2%) and that their management should be taught during bachelor (78.6%). Conclusion OMTs believed that nocebo-related effects were present in their clinical practice and that they can be triggered by CFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Rossettini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,School of Physiotherapy, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Tommaso Geri
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alvisa Palese
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Chiara Marzaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Mirandola
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mirta Fiorio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Turolla
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Technologies, San Camillo IRCCS srl, Venezia, Italy
| | - Mattia Manoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Testa
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Luc F, Prieur E, Whitmore GA, Gibson PG, Vandemheen KL, Aaron SD. Placebo Effects in Clinical Trials Evaluating Patients with Uncontrolled Persistent Asthma. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2019; 16:1124-30. [PMID: 31063408 DOI: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201901-071OC] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Patients with uncontrolled, persistent asthma can show substantial health improvements when administered placebo.Objectives: We analyzed five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that assessed subjects with uncontrolled, persistent asthma to determine the magnitudes of placebo effects across different clinical outcomes.Methods: Placebo effects for objective asthma-related outcomes, healthcare utilization outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes were estimated, with adjustments for regression to the mean.Results: Statistically significant improvements in all clinical outcomes were seen in patients randomized to placebo across all trials. Placebo effects were largest for healthcare utilization outcomes, including exacerbations (median reduction, 0.44 events/yr; 31% risk reduction; range, 19-56%), emergency department visits (median reduction, 0.19 events/yr; 50% risk reduction; range, 36-82%), and hospitalizations for asthma (median reduction, 0.26 events/yr; 66% risk reduction; range, 61-74%). Patient-reported outcomes exhibited intermediate placebo effects. Median improvements in the Asthma Control Questionnaire and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores in placebo-treated patients were 0.53 units (25% improvement; range, 18-30%) and 8.3 units (19.5% improvement; range 19-20%), respectively. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second exhibited the smallest relative placebo effects (median increase, 77 ml; 4.2% improvement; range, 3.4-4.9%). Subgroup analyses did not reveal patient subgroups that were more susceptible to placebo effects. Pre- and postrandomization counts for asthma exacerbations showed patterns consistent with the expected negative binomial distribution except for significant departures in prerandomization exacerbations for two trials.Conclusions: Patients with uncontrolled asthma derived consistent benefit from randomization to placebo. Observed placebo effects may represent beneficial effects of both sham therapy and a structured asthma regimen dictated by the study protocol. In the case of healthcare utilization outcomes, recall errors in self-reported healthcare events may have introduced biases that inflated placebo effect estimates.
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Daniali H, Flaten MA. Placebo Analgesia, Nocebo Hyperalgesia, and the Cardiovascular System: A Qualitative Systematic Review. Front Physiol 2020; 11:549807. [PMID: 33101048 PMCID: PMC7544987 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.549807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Placebo/nocebo effects involve the autonomic nervous system, including cardiac activity, but studies have reported inconsistent findings on how cardiac activity is modulated following a placebo/nocebo effect. However, no systematic review has been conducted to provide a clear picture of cardiac placebo responses. Objective: The main goal of the present study is to review the effects of placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia on cardiac activity as measured by blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability. Methods: Using several Boolean keyword combinations, the PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Review Library, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases were searched until January 5, 2020, to find studies that analyzed blood pressure, heart rate, or heart rate variability indexes following a placebo analgesic/nocebo hyperalgesic effect. Results: Nineteen studies were found, with some reporting more than one index of cardiac activity; eight studies were on blood pressure, 14 studies on heart rate, and six on heart rate variability. No reliable association between placebo/nocebo effects and blood pressure or heart rate was found. However, placebo effects reduced, and nocebo effects increased low-frequency heart rate variability, and heart rate variability significantly predicted placebo effects in two studies. Conclusion: Placebo/nocebo effects can have reliable effects on heart rate variability, but not on heart rate and blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magne Arve Flaten
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Blease CR, Delbanco T, Torous J, Ponten M, DesRoches CM, Hagglund M, Walker J, Kirsch I. Sharing clinical notes, and placebo and nocebo effects: Can documentation affect patient health? J Health Psychol 2020; 27:135-146. [PMID: 32772861 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320948588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper connects findings from the field of placebo studies with research into patients' interactions with their clinician's visit notes, housed in their electronic health records. We propose specific hypotheses about how features of clinicians' written notes might trigger mechanisms of placebo and nocebo effects to elicit positive or adverse health effects among patients. Bridging placebo studies with (a) survey data assaying patient and clinician experiences with portals and (b) randomized controlled trials provides preliminary support for our hypotheses. We conclude with actionable proposals for testing our understanding of the health effects of access to visit notes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Delbanco
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Torous
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Catherine M DesRoches
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Hagglund
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Walker
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irving Kirsch
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Bernstein MH, Locher C, Kube T, Buergler S, Stewart-Ferrer S, Blease C. Putting the 'Art' Into the 'Art of Medicine': The Under-Explored Role of Artifacts in Placebo Studies. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1354. [PMID: 32774310 PMCID: PMC7387723 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in social psychology demonstrates that physical environmental factors – or “artifacts” such as provider clothing and office décor – can influence health outcomes. However, the role of artifacts in augmenting or diminishing health outcomes is under-explored in the burgeoning discipline of placebo studies. In this paper, we argue that a careful consideration of artifacts may carry significant potential in informing how placebo effects can be maximized, and nocebo effects minimized in clinical settings. We discuss the potential mechanisms, including classical conditioning, response expectancy, and mindsets, by which artifacts might enhance or diminish these effects. Next, we propose testable hypotheses to investigate how placebo and nocebo effects might be elicited by artifacts in care settings, and conclude by providing innovative research designs to advance this novel research agendum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Bernstein
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Cosima Locher
- School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.,Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kube
- Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Pain and Psychotherapy Research Lab, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Sarah Buergler
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sif Stewart-Ferrer
- Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Blease
- Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Ratnapalan M, Coghlan B, Tan M, Everitt H, Geraghty AWA, Little P, Lewith G, Bishop FL. Placebos in primary care? a nominal group study explicating UK GP and patient views of six theoretically plausible models of placebo practice. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e032524. [PMID: 32075826 PMCID: PMC7044897 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To better understand which theoretically plausible placebogenic techniques might be acceptable in UK primary care. DESIGN A qualitative study using nominal group technique and thematic analysis. Participants took part in audio-recorded face-to-face nominal groups in which the researcher presented six scenarios describing the application in primary care of theoretically plausible placebogenic techniques: (1) Withholding side effects information, (2) Monitoring, (3) General practitioner (GP) endorsement, (4) Idealised consultation, (5) Deceptive placebo pills and (6) Open-label placebo pills. Participants voted on whether they thought each scenario was acceptable in practice and discussed their reasoning. Votes were tallied and discussions transcribed verbatim. SETTING Primary care in England. PARTICIPANTS 21 GPs in four nominal groups and 20 'expert patients' in five nominal groups. RESULTS Participants found it hard to decide which practices were acceptable and spoke about needing to weigh potential symptomatic benefits against the potential harms of lost trust eroding the therapeutic relationship. Primary care patients and doctors felt it was acceptable to harness placebo effects in practice by patient self-monitoring (scenario 2), by the GP expressing a strongly positive belief in a therapy (scenario 3) and by conducting patient-centred, empathic consultations (scenario 4). Deceptive placebogenic practices (scenarios 1 and 5) were unacceptable to most groups. Patient and GP groups expressed a diverse range of opinions about open-label placebo pills. CONCLUSIONS Attempts to harness placebo effects in UK primary care are more likely to be accepted and implemented if they focus on enhancing positive patient-centred communication and empathic relationships. Using placebos deceptively is likely to be unacceptable to both GPs and patients. Open-label placebos also do not have clear support; they might be acceptable to some doctors and patients in very limited circumstances-but further evidence, clear information and guidance would be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohana Ratnapalan
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Mengxin Tan
- Centre of Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, London, UK
| | - Hazel Everitt
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - George Lewith
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Felicity L Bishop
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient expectancy is an important source of placebo effects in antidepressant clinical trials, but all prior studies measured expectancy prior to the initiation of medication treatment. Little is known about how expectancy changes during the course of treatment and how such changes influence clinical outcome. Consequently, we undertook the first analysis to date of in-treatment expectancy during antidepressant treatment to identify its clinical and demographic correlates, typical trajectories, and associations with treatment outcome. METHODS Data were combined from two randomized controlled trials of antidepressant medication for major depressive disorder in which baseline and in-treatment expectancy assessments were available. Machine learning methods were used to identify pre-treatment clinical and demographic predictors of expectancy. Multilevel models were implemented to test the effects of expectancy on subsequent treatment outcome, disentangling within- and between-patient effects. RESULTS Random forest analyses demonstrated that whereas more severe depressive symptoms predicted lower pre-treatment expectancy, in-treatment expectancy was unrelated to symptom severity. At each measurement point, increased in-treatment patient expectancy significantly predicted decreased depressive symptoms at the following measurement (B = -0.45, t = -3.04, p = 0.003). The greater the gap between expected treatment outcomes and actual depressive severity, the greater the subsequent symptom reductions were (B = 0.49, t = 2.33, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Greater in-treatment patient expectancy is associated with greater subsequent depressive symptom reduction. These findings suggest that clinicians may benefit from monitoring and optimizing patient expectancy during antidepressant treatment. Expectancy may represent another treatment parameter, similar to medication compliance and side effects, to be regularly monitored during antidepressant clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Zilcha-Mano
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Patrick J Brown
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven P Roose
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kiley Cappetta
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bret R Rutherford
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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Antonelli M, Donelli D. Reinterpreting homoeopathy in the light of placebo effects to manage patients who seek homoeopathic care: A systematic review. Health Soc Care Community 2019; 27:824-847. [PMID: 30456773 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Homoeopathy is widespread, and users claim to benefit from it. However, clear evidence of its efficacy over placebo is not available to date. As a consequence, a social separation between homoeopathy users and mainstream medicine exists, exposing these patients to many risks. Our primary objective is to assess homoeopathy efficacy by systematically reviewing existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses and to systematically review trials on open-label placebo (OLP) treatments. A secondary objective is to understand if homoeopathy as a whole may be considered as a placebo treatment. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on homoeopathy efficacy, and 61 studies were included. Same databases plus Journal of Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies (JIPS) were also systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on OLP treatments, and 10 studies were included. Databases were searched up to 24 February 2018. Two authors independently screened all retrieved articles and selected studies eligible for inclusion. The quality of reviews of included studies was evaluated with a dedicated NIH tool in the first review, whereas the risk of bias of trials of included studies was assessed with the specific Cochrane tool in the second review. Qualitative syntheses show that homoeopathy efficacy can be considered comparable to placebo, and that OLP treatments may be effective in some health conditions. Placebo effects like placebo itself, treatment context, physician-patient relationship, and other nonspecific factors can define the idea of placebo treatments, which may be effective in some conditions. If homoeopathy efficacy is comparable to placebo, and if placebo treatments can be effective in some conditions, then homoeopathy as a whole may be considered as a placebo treatment. Reinterpreting homoeopathy as a placebo treatment would define limits and possibilities of this practice. This perspective shift suggests a strategy to manage patients who seek homoeopathic care and to reconcile them with mainstream medicine in a sustainable way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Antonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Public Health, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Terme di Monticelli, Parma, Italy
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Belcher AM, Cole TO, Greenblatt AD, Hoag SW, Epstein DH, Wagner M, Billing AS, Massey E, Hamilton KR, Kozak ZK, Welsh CJ, Weintraub E, Wickwire EM, Wish ED, Kaptchuk TJ, Colloca L. Open-label dose-extending placebos for opioid use disorder: a protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial with methadone treatment. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026604. [PMID: 31230007 PMCID: PMC6596949 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than 2 million individuals in the USA have an opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone maintenance treatment is the gold standard of medication-based treatment for OUD, but high-dose methadone is associated with cardiotoxicity and respiratory complications, among other side effects. These adverse effects make enhancing the effectiveness of lower doses of methadone an attractive therapeutic goal. Long recognised for its capacity to enhance treatment outcomes for a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders including pain, the placebo effect offers an as-yet untested avenue to such an enhancement. This approach is particularly compelling given that individuals with substance use disorder tend to have higher salience attribution and may thereby be more sensitive to placebo effects. Our study combines two promising clinical methodologies-conditioning/dose-extension and open-label placebo-to investigate whether placebo effects can increase the effective potency of methadone in treatment-seeking OUD patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A total of 120 newly enrolled treatment-seeking OUD patients will be randomly assigned to one of two different groups: either methadone plus daily placebo dose-extension (PDE; treatment group) or methadone/treatment as usual (control). Participants will meet with study team members five times over the course of 3 months of treatment with methadone (baseline, 2 weeks, and 1, 2 and 3 months postbaseline). Throughout this study time period, methadone dosages will be adjusted by an addiction clinician blind to patient assignment, per standard clinical methods. The primary outcome is methadone dose at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include self-report of drug use; 3-month urine toxicology screen results; and treatment retention. Exploratory outcomes include several environmental as well as personality factors associated with OUD and with propensity to demonstrate a placebo effect. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Human subjects oversight for this study is provided by the University of Maryland, Baltimore and University of Maryland, College Park Institutional Review Boards. Additionally, the study protocol is reviewed annually by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board. Study results will be disseminated via research conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02941809.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle M Belcher
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas O Cole
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron D Greenblatt
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen W Hoag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David H Epstein
- Real-world Assessment, Prediction and Treatment Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Wagner
- University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy S Billing
- University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ebonie Massey
- University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen R Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Zofia K Kozak
- Medical School Training Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher J Welsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric Weintraub
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Research and Treatment, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emerson M Wickwire
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Sleep Disorders Center, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric D Wish
- University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ted J Kaptchuk
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Palese A, Cadorin L, Testa M, Geri T, Colloca L, Rossettini G. Contextual factors triggering placebo and nocebo effects in nursing practice: Findings from a national cross-sectional study. J Clin Nurs 2019; 28:1966-1978. [PMID: 30706543 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe contextual factors (CFs) used by nurses to increase placebo and to prevent nocebo effects. BACKGROUND Placebo effects have been studied in the nursing discipline, but nocebo effects still remain unexplored. Recently, a set of CFs functioning as triggers of placebo/nocebo effects has been described; however, its use in daily care has never been documented to date. DESIGN A national cross-sectional survey, according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys guidelines and STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE), was performed in 2016. METHODS A wide sample of Italian nurses belonging to four national associations was involved. A questionnaire based on CFs literature was developed and administered through the SurveyMonkey Software® exploring: (a) CFs definition, (b) beliefs, (c) case-by-case frequency of use, (d) circumstances of application, (e) clinical conditions where participants perceived their potential beneficial effects, (f) ethical implications and (g) communication issues with the patient. RESULTS Out of 1,411 eligible nurses, 455 answered (32.2%) and 425 questionnaires (30.1%) were valid for the analysis. A total of 211 nurses (49.6%) defined the CFs as an intervention with a possible aspecific effect; participants believed in the CFs (2.91; 95%CI 2.88-2.94), using them >2 times/month, mainly in addition to a nursing intervention to optimise clinical outcomes (n = 79; 18.6%). Psychological and physiological therapeutic effects have been perceived mainly in chronic pain (n = 259; 60.9%) and insomnia (n = 243; 57.2%). According to participants, CFs have been reported as ethically acceptable when exerting beneficial psychological effects (n = 148; 34.8%); however, 103 (24.2%) of nurses did not communicate to the patient when CFs were used. CONCLUSIONS Nurses are aware of CFs as elements to increase the placebo and prevent the nocebo effects in concomitance with evidence-based nursing interventions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The CFs valued by nurses and experienced as effective are mainly based upon the internal quality of the nurse and the quality of the relationship between the nurse and the patient. These qualities require a large personal investment; therefore, nurses should be supported in developing these qualities since their nursing graduation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvisa Palese
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Lucia Cadorin
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Marco Testa
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Savona, Italy
| | - Tommaso Geri
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Savona, Italy
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.,Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Giacomo Rossettini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Savona, Italy
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Bishop FL, Greville-Harris M, Bostock J, Din A, Graham CA, Lewith G, Liossi C, O'Riordan T, White P, Yardley L. Informing Adults With Back Pain About Placebo Effects: Randomized Controlled Evaluation of a New Website With Potential to Improve Informed Consent in Clinical Research. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e9955. [PMID: 30664462 PMCID: PMC6354200 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Placebo effects and their underpinning mechanisms are increasingly well understood. However, this is poorly communicated to participants in placebo-controlled trials. For valid informed consent, participants should be informed about the potential benefits and risks of participating in placebo-controlled trials. Existing information leaflets often fail to describe the potential benefits and adverse effects associated with placebo allocation. This study tested the effects of a new website designed to inform patients about placebo effects (The Power of Placebos, PoP). PoP was designed using qualitative methods in combination with theory- and evidence-based approaches to ensure it was engaging, informative, and addressed patients’ concerns. Objective This study aimed to test the effects of PoP, compared with a control website, on people’s knowledge about placebo and the ability to make an informed choice about taking part in a placebo-controlled trial. Methods A total of 350 adults with back pain recruited from 26 general practices in Southern England participated in this Web-based study. Participants were randomly assigned to PoP (which presented scientifically accurate information about placebo effects in an engaging way) or a control website (based on existing information leaflets from UK trials). Participants self-completed Web-based pre- and postintervention questionnaire measures of knowledge about placebo effects and preintervention questionnaire measures of attitudes toward and intentions to participate in a placebo-controlled trial. The 2 primary outcomes were (1) knowledge and (2) informed choice to take part in a placebo-controlled trial (computed from knowledge, attitudes, and intentions). Results After viewing PoP, participants had significantly greater knowledge about placebos (mean 8.28 [SD 1.76]; n=158) than participants who viewed the control (mean 5.60 [SD 2.24]; n=174; F1,329=173.821; P<.001; η2=.346). Participants who viewed PoP were 3.16 times more likely than those who viewed the control to make an informed choice about placebos (χ21=36.5; P<.001). Conclusions In a sample of adults with back pain, PoP increased knowledge and rates of informed choice about placebos compared with a control website. PoP could be used to improve knowledge about placebo effects in back pain. After essential further development and testing in clinical trial settings, it could support informed consent in placebo-controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity L Bishop
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jennifer Bostock
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Din
- Centre for Innovation & Leadership in Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Cynthia A Graham
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - George Lewith
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Liossi
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter White
- Centre for Innovation & Leadership in Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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van Vliet LM, Francke AL, Meijers MC, Westendorp J, Hoffstädt H, Evers AWM, van der Wall E, de Jong P, Peerdeman KJ, Stouthard J, van Dulmen S. The Use of Expectancy and Empathy When Communicating With Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer; an Observational Study of Clinician-Patient Consultations. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:464. [PMID: 31379614 PMCID: PMC6652106 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Information provision about prognosis, treatments, and side-effects is important in advanced cancer, yet also associated with impaired patient well-being. To counter potential detrimental effects, communication strategies based on placebo and nocebo effect mechanisms might be promising to apply in daily practice. This study aimed to provide more insight into how often and how oncologists use expectancy and empathy expressions in consultations with patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods: Forty-five consultations between oncologists and patients were audiotaped. To determine how often expectancy and empathy expressions were used, a coding scheme was created. Most consultations (n = 33) were coded and discussed by two coders, and the remaining 13 were coded by one coder. To determine how expectancy and empathy expressions were used, principles of inductive content analysis were followed. Results: Discussed evaluation (i.e., scan) results were good (n = 26,58%) or uncertain (n = 12,27%) and less often bad (n = 7,15%). Uncertain expectations about prognosis, treatment outcomes, and side effects occurred in 13, 38, and 27 consultations (29%, 85%, and 56%), followed by negative expectations in 8, 26, and 28 consultations (18%, 58%, and 62%) and positive expectations in 6, 34, and 17 consultations (13%, 76%, and 38%). When oncologists provided expectancy expressions, they tapped into three different dimensions: relational, personal, and explicit. Positive expectations emphasized the doctor-patient relationship, while negative expectations focused on the severity of the illness, and uncertainty was characterized by a balance between (potential) negative outcomes and hope. Observed generic or specific empathy expressions were regularly provided, most frequently understanding (n = 29,64% of consultations), respecting (n = 17,38%), supporting (n = 16,36%), and exploring (n = 16,36%). A lack of empathy occurred less often and contained, among others, not responding to patients' emotional concerns (n = 13,27% of consultations), interrupting (n = 7,16%), and an absence of understanding (n = 4,9%). Conclusion: In consultations with mainly positive or uncertain medical outcomes, oncologists predominantly made use of uncertain expectations (hope for the best, prepare for the worst) and used several empathic behaviors. Replication studies, e.g., in these and other medical situations, are needed. Follow-up studies should test the effect of specific communication strategies on patient outcomes, to counter potential negative effects of information provision. Studies should focus on uncertain situations. Ultimately, specific placebo and nocebo effect-inspired communication strategies can be harnessed in clinical care to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Mirjam van Vliet
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anneke L Francke
- Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maartje C Meijers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Janine Westendorp
- Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hinke Hoffstädt
- Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Elsken van der Wall
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paul de Jong
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Antonius Hospital, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kaya J Peerdeman
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Stouthard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
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Howe LC, Leibowitz KA, Crum AJ. When Your Doctor "Gets It" and "Gets You": The Critical Role of Competence and Warmth in the Patient-Provider Interaction. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:475. [PMID: 31333518 PMCID: PMC6619399 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Research demonstrates that the placebo effect can influence the effectiveness of medical treatments and accounts for a significant proportion of healing in many conditions. However, providers may differ in the degree to which they consciously or unconsciously leverage the forces that produce placebo effects in clinical practice. Some studies suggest that the manner in which providers interact with patients shapes the magnitude of placebo effects, but this research has yet to distill the specific dimensions of patient-provider interactions that are most likely to influence placebo response and the mechanisms through which aspects of patient-provider interactions impact placebo response. Methods: We offer a simplifying and unifying framework in which interactions that boost placebo response can be dissected into two key dimensions: patients' perceptions of competence, or whether a doctor "gets it" (i.e., displays of efficiency, knowledge, and skill), and patients' perceptions of warmth, or whether a doctor "gets me" (i.e., displays of personal engagement, connection, and care for the patient). Results: First, we discuss how this framework builds on past research in psychology on social perception of competence and warmth and in medical literature on models of effective medical care, patient satisfaction, and patient-provider interactions. Then we consider possible mechanisms through which competence and warmth may affect the placebo response in healthcare. Finally, we share original data from patients and providers highlighting how this framework applies to healthcare. Both patient and provider data illustrate actionable ways providers can demonstrate competence and warmth to patients. Discussion: We conclude with recommendations for how researchers and practitioners alike can more systematically consider the role of provider competence and warmth in patient-provider interactions to deepen our understanding of placebo effects and, ultimately, enable providers to boost placebo effects alongside active medications (i.e., with known medical ingredients) and treatment in clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Howe
- Department of Business Administration, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kari A Leibowitz
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alia J Crum
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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42
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Meeuwis SH, van Middendorp H, Pacheco-Lopez G, Ninaber MK, Lavrijsen APM, van der Wee N, Veldhuijzen DS, Evers AWM. Antipruritic Placebo Effects by Conditioning H1-antihistamine. Psychosom Med 2019; 81:841-50. [PMID: 31490841 DOI: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Allergic rhinitis symptoms can be reduced by behaviorally conditioning antihistamine. It is unclear whether these findings extend to histamine-induced itch or work when participants are informed about the conditioning procedure (open-label conditioning). The current study aims to investigate the efficacy of (open-label) antipruritic behavioral conditioning for histamine-induced itch. METHODS Healthy participants (n = 92; 84% female) were randomized to I) an open-label conditioned, II) closed-label conditioned, III) conditioned-not-evoked control, or IV) nonconditioned control group. A two-phase conditioning paradigm was used. During acquisition, a conditioned stimulus (CS; distinctively tasting beverage) was repeatedly paired with the H1-antihistamine levocetirizine (groups I-III). During evocation, the CS was paired with placebo (I, II), or instead of the CS, water was paired with placebo (III). The nonconditioned control group (IV) received CS with placebo in both phases. Itch after histamine iontophoresis and physiological data (i.e., spirometry, heart rate, skin conductance) were assessed. Combined conditioned and combined control groups were first compared, and analyses were repeated for separate groups. RESULTS Marginally lower itch was reported in the combined conditioned compared with the control groups (F(1,88) = 2.10, p = .076, ηpartial = 0.02); no differences between separate groups were found. No effects on physiological data were found, except for heart rate, which reduced significantly and consistently for control groups, and less consistently for conditioned groups (group by time interaction: F(7,80) = 2.35, p = .031, ηpartial = 0.17). CONCLUSION Limited support was found for the efficacy of antipruritic behavioral conditioning, regardless of whether participants were informed about the conditioning procedure. The application of open-label conditioning in patient populations should be further researched. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.trialregister.nl; ID NTR5544.
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Abstract
The issue of placebo response and the extent of its effect on psychotherapy is complex for two specific reasons: i) Current standards for drug trials, e.g., true placebo interventions, double-blinding, cannot be applied to most psychotherapy techniques, and ii) some of the "nonspecific effects" in drug therapy have very specific effects in psychotherapy, such as the frequency and intensity of patient-therapist interaction. In addition, different psychotherapy approaches share many such specific effects (the "dodo bird verdict") and lack specificity with respect to therapy outcome. Here, we discuss the placebo effect in psychotherapy under four aspects: a) nonspecific factors shared with drug therapy (context factors); b) nonspecific factors shared among all psychotherapy traditions (common factors); c) specific placebo-controlled options with different psychotherapy modalities; and d) nonspecific control options for the specific placebo effect in psychotherapy. The resulting framework proposes that the exploration and enumeration of context factors, common factors, and specific factors contributes to the placebo effects in psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Enck
- Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine VI, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine VI, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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44
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Olliges E, Schneider S, Schmidt G, Sinnecker D, Müller A, Burgdorf C, Braun S, Holdenrieder S, Ebell H, Ladwig KH, Meissner K, Ronel J. Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Heart-Healthy Controls. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:549. [PMID: 31428002 PMCID: PMC6688659 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC)-a rare, reversible, and acquired form of cardiac diseases-is not yet fully explained. An exaggerated activation of the sympathetic-nervous-system (SNS) following stressful psychosocial life events is discussed to be of key importance. In this experimental study, we tested whether TTC patients, compared to heart-healthy controls, respond more strongly to supporting placebo interventions and stressful nocebo interventions targeting cardiac function. In a single experimental session, 20 female TTC patients and 20 age matched (mean age 61.5 years, ± 12.89) catheter-confirmed heart-healthy women were examined. Saline solution was administered three times i.v. to all participants, with the verbal suggestion they receive an inert substance with no effects on the heart (neutral condition), a drug that would support cardiac functions (positive condition), and a drug that would burden the heart (negative condition). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP/SBP), heart rate (HR), endocrine markers cortisol (µg/dl), copeptin (pmol/l), and subjective stress ratings (SUD) were assessed to examine alterations of the SNS and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). Before and after each intervention SUD was rated. One pre and three post serum cortisol and copeptin samples were assessed, and a long-term electrocardiogram as well as non-invasive, continuous blood pressure was recorded. The study design elucidated a significant increase of SUD levels as a response to the nocebo intervention, while perceived stress remained unaffected during the preceding neutral and positive interventions. Increasing SUD levels were accompanied by higher SBP and an anticipatory increase of HR shortly prior to the nocebo intervention. SBP increased also as a response to positive verbal suggestions (Bonferroni-corrected p-values > .05). Alterations of cortisol and copeptin due to the interventions and significant placebo effects failed to appear. Interestingly no differences between TCC patients and controls could be found.These findings do not support the assumption of an exaggerated activation of the SNS as a discriminatory factor for TTC. Since especially the nocebo intervention revealed negative subjective and objective effects, our results underscore the urgent need to consider carefully the impact of verbal suggestions in the interaction with cardiac patients in daily clinical routine. This study is registered at the Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS00009296).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Olliges
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Schmidt
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Sinnecker
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Müller
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christof Burgdorf
- Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum Munich, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Centre Bad Bevensen, Bad Bevensen, Germany
| | - Siegmund Braun
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Munich, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Munich, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Karl-Heinz Ladwig
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Meissner
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Division of Health Promotion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany
| | - Joram Ronel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Klinik Barmelweid AG, Barmelweid, Switzerland
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45
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Hardman DI, Geraghty AW, Lewith G, Lown M, Viecelli C, Bishop FL. From substance to process: A meta-ethnographic review of how healthcare professionals and patients understand placebos and their effects in primary care. Health (London) 2018; 24:315-340. [PMID: 30238795 DOI: 10.1177/1363459318800169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that a 'placebo' can improve conditions common in primary care including pain, depression and irritable bowel syndrome. However, disagreement persists over the definition and clinical relevance of placebo treatments. We conducted a meta-ethnographic, mixed-research systematic review to explore how healthcare professionals and patients understand placebos and their effects in primary care. We conducted systematic literature searches of five databases - augmented by reference chaining, key author searches and expert opinion - related to views on placebos, placebo effects and placebo use in primary care. From a total of 34 eligible quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods articles reporting findings from 28 studies, 21 were related to healthcare professionals' views, 11 were related to patients' views and two were related to both groups. In the studies under review, healthcare professionals reported using placebos at markedly different frequencies. This was highly influenced by how placebos were defined in the studies. Both healthcare professionals and patients predominantly defined placebos as material substances such as 'inert' pills, despite this definition being inconsistent with current scientific thinking. However, healthcare professionals also, but less prevalently, defined placebos in a different way: as contextual processes. This better concurs with modern placebo definitions, which focus on context, ritual, meaning and enactivism. However, given the enduring ubiquity of substance definitions, for both healthcare professionals and patients, we question the practical, clinical validity of stretching the term 'placebo' towards its modern iteration. To produce 'placebo effects', therefore, primary healthcare professionals may be better off abandoning placebo terminology altogether.
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46
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Brietzke C, Asano RY, De Russi de Lima F, Pinheiro FA, Franco-Alvarenga, Ugrinowitsch C, Pires FO. Caffeine effects on VO 2max test outcomes investigated by a placebo perceived-as-caffeine design. Nutr Health 2018; 23:231-238. [PMID: 29214920 DOI: 10.1177/0260106017723547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) ingestion have been observed in different cycling exercise modes, and have been associated with alterations in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). However, there has been little investigation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) test outcomes. AIM This study aimed to verify whether CAF may reduce RPE, thereby improving maximal incremental test (MIT) outcomes such as VO2MAX, time to exhaustion and peak power output (WPEAK). METHODS Nine healthy individuals performed three MITs (25 W/min until exhaustion) in a random, counterbalanced fashion after ingestion of CAF, placebo perceived as caffeine (PLA), and no supplementation (baseline control). VO2 was measured throughout the test, while RPE was rated according to overall and leg effort sensations. The power output corresponding to submaximal (RPE = 14 according to the 6-20 Borg scale) and maximal RPE was recorded for both overall (O-RPE14 and O-RPEMAX) and leg RPE (L-RPE14 and L-RPEMAX). RESULTS VO2MAX did not change significantly between MITs; however, CAF and PLA increased time to exhaustion (↑ ∼18.7% and ∼17.1%, respectively; p < .05) and WPEAK (↑ ∼13.0% and ∼11.8%, respectively; p < .05) when compared with control. When compared with control, CAF ingestion reduced submaximal and maximal overall and leg RPEs, the effect being greater in maximal (likely beneficial in O-RPEMAX and L-RPEMAX) than submaximal RPE (possibly beneficial in O-RPE14 and L-RPE14). Similar results were found when participants ingested PLA. CONCLUSIONS Compared with control, CAF and PLA improved MIT performance outcomes such as time to exhaustion and WPEAK, without altering VO2MAX values. CAF effects were attributed to placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayque Brietzke
- 1 Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Yukio Asano
- 1 Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe De Russi de Lima
- 1 Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Aparecido Pinheiro
- 1 Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,2 School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Franco-Alvarenga
- 1 Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Flávio Oliveira Pires
- 1 Exercise Psychophysiology Research Group, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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47
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Abstract
In recent years, several randomized controlled trials evaluating pharmaceutical treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) have failed to demonstrate efficacy over placebo, with both active and placebo arms improving at comparable rates. These findings could be viewed in opposing ways, suggesting on the one hand failure of the tested outcome, but on the other, representing evidence of robust placebo effects in TBI. In this article, we examine several of the primary psychological processes driving placebo effects (verbal suggestion, cognitive re-framing, interpersonal interactions, conditioning, therapeutic alliance, anxiety reduction) as well as placebo neurobiology (top-down cortical regulation, reward system activation, dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission). We then extrapolate from the literature to explore whether something inherent in TBI makes it particularly responsive to placebos. Viewed as such here, placebos may indeed represent a powerful and effective treatment for a variety of post-TBI complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginger Polich
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Mary Alexis Iaccarino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children Sport Concussion Program, Boston, Massachusetts
- Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ted J. Kaptchuk
- Program in Placebo Studies and Therapeutic Encounter, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leon Morales-Quezada
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Ross Zafonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
- Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, Boston, Massachusetts
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48
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Benatar M, Howard JF, Barohn R, Wolfe GI, Cutter G. Learning from the past: reflections on recently completed myasthenia gravis trials. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1412:5-13. [PMID: 29064567 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recently competed clinical trials of therapeutics for myasthenia gravis have varied widely in design, but also perhaps in less explicit ways. We explore ways in which these design characteristics may have influenced recruitment and results, as well as the implications for forthcoming studies. Trial eligibility criteria may inadvertently select for incident versus prevalent cases or patients with relatively mild versus more severe disease. Trial enrichment with patients who have relatively mild disease may limit the sensitivity of the trial to detect a therapeutic effect. Enrichment for patients with more severe disease may introduce confounds caused by regression toward the mean. Overly narrow eligibility may limit the generalizability of results. An exclusive focus on incident cases may hamper recruitment, as may many other factors, such as access to the experimental therapeutic treatment outside of the trial or following completion of the double-blind treatment period. We illustrate how other design characteristics (e.g., treatment duration, strategy for steroid tapering, selection of the primary outcome, and principal analytic approach) may affect the sensitivity of a trial to demonstrate therapeutic effects. Finally, we consider the importance of placebo effects, being careful to differentiate these from therapeutic effects observed in the placebo group, and discuss how the use of combined outcome measures may minimize placebo effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Richard Barohn
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Gil I Wolfe
- Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Gary Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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49
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Abstract
Although a large body of research shows that general cognitive ability is heritable and stable in young adults, there is recent evidence that fluid intelligence can be heightened with cognitive training. Many researchers, however, have questioned the methodology of the cognitive-training studies reporting improvements in fluid intelligence: specifically, the role of placebo effects. We designed a procedure to intentionally induce a placebo effect via overt recruitment in an effort to evaluate the role of placebo effects in fluid intelligence gains from cognitive training. Individuals who self-selected into the placebo group by responding to a suggestive flyer showed improvements after a single, 1-h session of cognitive training that equates to a 5- to 10-point increase on a standard IQ test. Controls responding to a nonsuggestive flyer showed no improvement. These findings provide an alternative explanation for effects observed in the cognitive-training literature and the brain-training industry, revealing the need to account for confounds in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus K Foroughi
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Samuel S Monfort
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Martin Paczynski
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | | | - P M Greenwood
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
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50
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Abstract
Objective It was the aim of this bibliometric analysis to identify all publications dealing with so-called 'context effects/placebo effects' to bring some organisation into the publication landscape of the past 35 years. Design An electronic database search was carried out in Pubmed from its inception to November 2011. Participants Already published articles and their participants were included. Setting This review was carried out at an academic institution. Main outcome measures Condition, country, year, journal, number of authors, type of publication and main focus of the publication. Results There are slight differences in the focus and the origin of research. Although the subject is multidimensional and covering all areas in healthcare, only a few research disciplines cover the field of placebo effects. The research field is shrinking as evident by the smaller number of researchers publishing in this field. It is suggested that the discussion regarding placebo and context effects is getting more homogenous and is turning into a specific field by itself. There is an increasing concentration of placebo effects being reproduced in experimental settings. Conclusion It is debatable whether the complexity of the broad range of what produces placebo effects can be successfully detected in a randomized controlled trial setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Boehm
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke 58239, Germany
| | - Bettina Berger
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke 58239, Germany
| | - Thomas Ostermann
- University of Witten/Herdecke, Chair of Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology, Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten 58448, Germany
| | - Peter Heusser
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke 58239, Germany
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