Making use of expectations
Is it possible for me to positively influence a visit to the doctor, my treatment and even my recovery? Yes, it is! The following texts are all about you as a patient and your own expectations – when it comes to preparing for a doctor’s visit, the first consultation, your perceptions, and any questions you might have, for instance about the adverse effects listed in the package insert of your medication. Here at the Collaborative Research Centre “Treatment Expectation”, we really hope that you find our suggestions and impulses for doctor-patient communication helpful. Please write to us if you have any further questions or ideas. We look forward to hearing about your personal experiences and suggestions on this topic.
Our animated movies
For some time now, Mr Smith has been suffering from excruciating back pain and has almost given up any hope of finding relief. But then his neighbour tells him about a new doctor and a really good type of treatment. Mr Smith dares to hope again. And in fact, the treatment actually does help him too. However, this success is not based solely on the individual treatment from a professional: It is also thanks to Mr Smith’s positive expectation.
But how can a positive expectation like this foster the success of a treatment? And what does this have to do with the placebo effect? Our first animated movie explains this in an understandable and competent way.
You can download the movie here.
Mr Smith’s doctor has given him a new medication to treat his back pain. He reads the package insert and groans: It lists so many side effects and warnings! He becomes increasingly sceptical and his worries, fears and uncertainties also have an impact on how well the treatment is working. Mr Smith wants to counteract these negative expectations, and in fact, he can be proactive in vanquishing them.
But what influences do negative expectations have on the brain and the body, and ultimately on the success of a treatment? And how is this related to the nocebo effect? Our second animated movie explains this in just under 4 minutes.
You can download the movie here.