This Book May Cause Side Effects: The Curious and Dangerous Power of the Nocebo Effect, Placebo's Evil Twin

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by Helen Pilcher · 2026

A forthcoming popular-science book examining the nocebo effect—the harmful counterpart to the placebo effect—and how expectations, beliefs, and communication can contribute to symptoms and illness. It explores the curious and potentially dangerous ways the mind can influence physical health.

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1 episode featuring This Book May Cause Side Effects: The Curious and Dangerous Power of the Nocebo Effect, Placebo's Evil Twin

Something You Should Know
Negative expectations can create real symptoms
The episode connects the nocebo effect to medical decisions, behavior, language, cultural history, and the way embarrassment distorts social perception.
Sep 7, 2026 · 54 min

1 episode featuring This Book May Cause Side Effects: The Curious and Dangerous Power of the Nocebo Effect, Placebo's Evil Twin

Negative expectations can create real symptoms