Nocebo
in the new york times yesterday, there was a good analysis of the " nocebo effect"--people on placebo in various studies who have significant side-effects. can be up to the 40% range. an example of a patient who attempted suicide by taking an overdose of meds, which, unbeknownst to him, was placebo -- and his blood pressure dropped!! other studies suggest that when provider describes potential side-effects of a new med, there is a greater likelihood of the patient developing that side-effect. see: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/ 08/12/opinion/sunday/beware- the- nocebo -effect.html?_r=1 in my practice, i mention common side-effects but more in a dismissive way (like, "although some people may develop some inflammation of the liver when on a statin, it is really unlikely, i have seen it rarely in the many patients i have on statins, and i will monitor you closely just in case"), especially if i think the med in question is really important for the patient. howev