Brain scans reveal why some people are more susceptible to placebos
NCT ID NCT07479966
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether differences in brain connectivity can predict how strongly people respond to placebos. About 50 healthy adults will undergo brain scans and participate in placebo experiments where they receive a nasal spray labeled as oxytocin (but actually just saline). The goal is to understand why some individuals experience stronger placebo effects, which could inform future treatments for mood disorders.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help explain why some people respond to placebos more than others, potentially improving future treatment designs for mood disorders.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage observational study in healthy volunteers, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to patients with mood disorders or lead to direct clinical benefits.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, 20246, Germany