Placebo Effects on Blood Pressure Induced by Expectancy Manipulation

Effects of Placebos and Verbal Suggestions on Blood Pressure - Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of a single placebo intervention on blood pressure and to investigate autonomic and psychological mediating mechanisms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• not meeting inclusion criteria
• hypotension or hypertension
• treated or untreated hypertension or hypotension
• Severe systemic disorders (tumors, tbc, diabetes, asthma etc)
• diseases that influence the cardiovascular or gastrointestinal system
• intake of drugs affecting blood pressure and/or autonomic nervous system
• pregnancy and lactation phase
• body mass index >= 32
• cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, smoking)
• drug or alcohol abuse
• insufficient compliance
• participation in another trial within the last three months