The placebo effect combined with dopamine levels can determine whether symptoms of depression and social anxiety will improve in patients prescribed SSRI antidepressants. Researchers found the positive effect of the medications was four times higher in patients with high expectations the treatment would work compared to those with lower expectations.
Researchers discovered how a group of high-frequency brain waves help us to unconsciously set expectation of the world around us and realize something is different by comparing past memories with current situations.
Our brains make predictions based on experience during episodes of learning. Researchers found expectations during the predictions affect the activity of various brain networks.
Researchers reveal the role the orbitofrontal cortex plays in identity expectations.