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GlossaryNocebo Effect

negative expectations cause adverse symptoms despite inactive treatment

The nocebo effect occurs when negative expectations or beliefs about a treatment or condition cause a person to experience adverse symptoms or a worsening of their condition, even if the treatment is inactive or harmless. For example, if someone believes that a harmless cream will cause skin irritation, they might actually develop a rash due to their negative expectations. This phenomenon is the opposite of the placebo effect, where positive expectations lead to perceived or actual improvements in health.

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research Finasteride 5mg and Sexual Side Effects: How Many Are Related to a Nocebo Phenomenon?

225 citations , July 2007 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

Knowing about finasteride's sexual side effects increases reported dysfunction.

research The Nocebo Effect: A Clinician's Guide

41 citations , October 2012 in “Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry”

Negative expectations can cause adverse effects in patients even without active treatment, and managing this nocebo effect involves better communication and patient-clinician relationships.

research Nocebo Effect in Dermatology

12 citations , January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Negative expectations can cause adverse effects in dermatology treatments, like with finasteride for baldness, and careful communication can help reduce these nocebo responses.

research Many Sexual Adverse Effects of Finasteride Are Attributable to a Nocebo Effect

1 citations , February 2008 in “Nature Clinical Practice Urology”

Finasteride's sexual side effects may be due to nocebo effect.

research Comment on Current Investigations into Postfinasteride Syndrome

January 2024 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Finasteride is effective for hair regrowth, but some believe it may cause persistent symptoms due to psychological factors.

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community Dutasteride sides were all in my head, watch out for nocebo effects!

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 17 upvotes 2 years ago

A user's experience with hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride/dutasteride, and the potential for nocebo effects to influence side-effects. They caution others against focusing too much on possible side-effects when using these drugs, as they are generally safe and effective.

community Post Finasteride Syndrome, A dangerous lie.

in Chat 142 upvotes 1 year ago

A user initially had side effects from finasteride, attributed them to anxiety and the nocebo effect, and after resuming the drug, experienced positive effects and now warns against misinformation about Post Finasteride Syndrome.

community The Placebo Group Has It Worse Than The Standard Prescription 0.5mg Group. -The fear is all in your head.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 172 upvotes 4 days ago

Dutasteride at 0.5mg may have fewer sexual side effects than expected, with many side effects attributed to psychological factors (nocebo effect). The placebo group experienced more side effects, suggesting fear and anxiety might contribute to perceived side effects.

community EU Shouldn't Ban Fin & Dut: PFS is NOT REAL.

in Research/Science 10 upvotes 9 months ago

Finasteride and Dutasteride do not cause depression or "Post Finasteride Syndrome," with concerns often linked to the nocebo effect and preexisting mental health issues. The EU is unlikely to ban these drugs, but access may become more restricted due to ongoing debates.

community When you pop your first Fin pill

in Satire 4 years ago

Hair loss treatment using Fin, Minoxidil and RU58841 with discussion about potential side effects and the power of nocebo effect.

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