Expectations influence treatment outcomes
What happens in the brain and body during this process?
How do we explain individual differences?
Can the effects be used to benefit patients?
You must know that the will is a powerful adjuvant of medicine.
Paracelsus
(1493 – 1541)
Experiences and expectations are powerful therapeutic tools.
It was not Paracelsus, the Swiss physician, natural philosopher and alchemist, who first realised this. It has been known for thousands of years.
But what effects do positive and negative patient expectations have on treatment outcomes today? To answer this question, interdisciplinary research teams are working in close cooperation on 16 projects.
The researchers and clinicians involved in "Treatment Expectation", the project title of Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio 289, aim to unlock the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms behind treatment expectation effects, understand differences between individual patients and examine how the results can be applied to everyday clinical practice.
The hope is to extend the range of treatment options for millions of patients.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
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News
- New publication: Greater Disability Following Negative Experiences with Chronic Pain 12. May 2025
- “Better safe than sorry”: fears are stronger than hopes 05. May 2025
- Interview: How psychological factors can support psoriasis therapy 03. May 2025
- New publication: Placebo Effects Depend on Cognitive Resources — A Potential Problem for People with Depression 01. April 2025
- Virtual Webinar Series „Treatment Expectation“ 2025 20. March 2025
- New publication: Navigating the resource jungle with ARIADNE 04. February 2025
- Dr. Livia Asan awarded the Felgenhauer Research Prize 02. October 2024
- Pain Research Award to Dr. Helena Hartmann 02. October 2024