During the coronavirus pandemic, two-thirds of complications after vaccinations turned out to be the result of patients’ imagination. In a new study conducted by European scientists, it is stated that the fear of people in white coats (the nocebo effect, to speak scientifically) can lead to serious health consequences for individuals.
In 2016, an American intelligence officer working undercover in Cuba began to hear a strange whistling sound in his ears. He shared this with his colleagues, who also began experiencing similar symptoms, including headaches, insomnia, and nausea. As a result, dozens of diplomats and spies sought medical help.
Initially, they were diagnosed with “brain injuries caused by unknown acoustic weapons,” but this diagnosis was refuted by other doctors and scientists.
The media reported that employees of the American embassy were allegedly attacked with microwave weapons, which, according to sources, Russia had used. Similar problems were also experienced by diplomats from other countries.
However, seven years later, five intelligence agencies finally admitted that the so-called “Havana Syndrome” was in no way related to microwave weapons: it was a mass psychosis or the nocebo effect.
The term “nocebo” appeared in 1961 in connection with clinical trials where a placebo is given to the control group instead of medication. This leads to negative effects, which are called the nocebo effect. It is associated with the negative expectations of the participants.
According to scientists, statins, which lower cholesterol, also cause side effects that can be intensified by social factors and mass media. Studies have also shown that many side effects occur in control groups.
In a review published in 2018, British scientists analyzed the results of studies involving more than 250,000 patients. Half of the side effects were in the placebo groups. In trials of coronavirus vaccines, two-thirds were in the placebo groups.
About 20 countries conducted an experiment on disclosing medical information to their patients. One consequence of the study is the amplification of the nocebo effect.
The nocebo effect refers to unwanted bodily reactions that were caused by the negative expectations of the patient regarding treatment, not related to the action of the drug.
Anxiety and distrust can intensify or trigger these reactions by activating brain centers responsible for the production of neurotransmitters and hormones that provoke physical symptoms.
Sensitive individuals and citizens with anxiety disorders are particularly susceptible to the nocebo effect.
Doctors strive to minimize the nocebo effect by explaining the need for treatment and possible side effects to their patients. Important factors are intonation, friendliness, and willingness to answer all questions that concern the patient.
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