Abstract
Adding a verbal suggestion to a treatment can add significant increases in linguistic and semantic processing associated with the suggestion, increases that are probably linked to placebo/nocebo effects. Brain regions associated with this processing include those that process the memory and meaning of verbal placebo suggestions. This processing also adds significant decrease in activity of brain areas that process pain. The test stimulus seems to cue the effects and is consistent with somatic focus and sensory feedback reinforcing expectations and other factors that mediate placebo analgesic effects. Nocebo modulation may work similarly. Placebo and nocebo responses are not static or passive but reflect enactive cognitive processes that change dynamically over time and with somatic feedback. These processes can be learned and enhanced, suggesting a potential wealth of opportunity to use placebo factors to enhance efficacy of treatments and medications and to diminish nocebo factors.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Neuroscience of Pain, Stress, and Emotion : Psychological and Clinical Implications |
| Editors | Magne Flaten, Mustafa al'Absi |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Publisher | Academic Press |
| Publication date | 4 Jan 2016 |
| Pages | 159-178 |
| Chapter | 8 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780128005385 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128006665 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 4 Jan 2016 |
Keywords
- Analgesia
- Desire
- Emotions
- Expectation
- Nocebo
- Placebo
- Semantic processing
- Somatic focus