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Ferenc Köteles Institute for Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary

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György Bárdos Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute for Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
Institute for Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Bogdánfy Ödön u. 10, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary

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Abstract

Effects of the colour of curatives, of previous experiences and expectations, and of personality variables upon the generation of non-specific adverse (nocebo) effects of drugs were studied in a double-blind, randomized experiment. Thirty-eight female undergraduate students completed questionnaires (experiences, expectancies, state anxiety (STAI-S), dispositional optimism (LOT-R), somatosensory amplification (SSAS), somatic symptoms (PHQ-15)), then randomly ingested a white or red NSAID tablet (200-mg ibuprofen), and monitored themselves for 10 min for symptoms. According to a regression analysis, predictors of experienced symptoms were personal experiences with and expectations of side effects, and SSAS and PHQ-15 scores. Regarding the 14 monitored symptoms, significant differences between red and white tablets were found in five cases (irritability/agitation, palpitation vs. drowsiness, blurred vision, heartburn). Better understanding of personality and situational factors causing nocebo effects could help to identify and to avoid them.

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Clinical and Experimental Medical Journal
Language English
Size  
Year of
Foundation
2007
Publication
Programme
ceased
Volumes
per Year
 
Issues
per Year
 
Publisher Akadémiai Kiadó
Publisher's
Address
H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245
Responsible
Publisher
Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN 2060-6249 (Print)
ISSN 2060-968X (Online)

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