nocebo

[ noh-see-boh ]

noun

1. an inactive substance or a real medication that produces unpleasant or worsening symptoms in a patient or research participant because the person expects negative effects. Compare placebo ( def 1 ).
2. a negative symptom experienced by a person with such expectations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nocebo¹

1960–65; Latin nocēbō “I shall be harmful”; patterned after placebo

Example Sentences

FDA draft guidance posted in June 2023 provides a potential framework on how to overcome expectancy bias and the nocebo effect by employing an active placebo which could be a substance that also has mind-altering effects but no expected therapeutic benefit.

From Salon

Conversely, those who received the placebo may have experienced a nocebo effect, which means worsening symptoms because they were aware they did not get active treatment.

From Salon

"Drug effects can be ruled out in the placebo group, which means the symptoms either arose by chance, independently of the treatment, or they are the product of the nocebo effect," Henssler explains.

From Science Daily

The nocebo effect is often considered the mirror image of the placebo effect.

From Science Daily

The more likely explanation is an anxiety reaction or a similar psychosomatic response, like the “nocebo effect.”

From Salon