Expectancies as predictors of symptom improvement after antimicrobial therapy for persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease

ConclusionsThe present study shows that, next to pre-treatment functioning, patients ’ pre-treatment and post-treatment expectancies regarding improvement of persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease relate to a more beneficial symptom course. Expectancies of patients may be relevant to explain and potentially improve patient outcomes (e.g., by optimized communication about t reatment success).Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01207739 (Registration date: 23 –09-2010)Key Points•As there is currently no sufficient symptom resolution or symptomatic improvement for many patients with persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease, it is relevant to know which factors determine symptom progression and predict heterogeneity in treatment response.•Next to pre-treatment functioning, expectancies regarding symptom improvement and having received antimicrobial study medication are associated with a more beneficial symptom course after both shorter-term and longer-term antimicrobial treatment.•Expectancies are relevant to consider in treatment studies and may be useful in clinical settings to improve symptom course and treatment outcome (e.g., by optimized communication about treatment success).
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research