How Patient Expectations Impact the Progression of Asthma

Recent research highlights the significant role of psychological factors, particularly patient expectations, in the progression of asthma. Conducted by psychologists at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, the study reveals that individuals diagnosed with asthma who maintain a positive outlook on their health tend to experience a slower disease progression.

The study was published in the journal Health Expectations and involved 310 asthma patients monitored over six months. Researchers assessed participants' illness expectations using the validated Illness Expectation Test (IET), which measures both conscious and unconscious beliefs about disease outcomes. Throughout the study, patients' asthma control was evaluated via the Asthma Control Test (ACT), and respiratory function was measured through spirometry, focusing on forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).

Findings showed that those with more negative explicit illness expectations reported worse symptoms and experienced greater declines in lung function over time. This suggests that a person's mental outlook can influence physical health outcomes in asthma. Similar patterns have been observed in other chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.

Professor Francesco Pagnini explained that these results support the idea that beliefs about disease and the future can influence behavior and adherence to treatment, much like the placebo effect. The study's insights could have important implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the need to address psychological and emotional factors alongside medical treatment.

The research underscores the importance of fostering a positive mindset in asthma patients, which might contribute to better symptom management and slower disease progression. Future interventions could include psychological support or education aimed at modifying illness expectations to improve long-term health outcomes.

This study was developed during the pandemic, which limited direct patient involvement but still prioritized patient perspectives to guide its design. It highlights the potential for integrating psychological strategies into standard asthma care to enhance effectiveness and patient well-being.

For more details, the full study is available in Health Expectations (2025), DOI: 10.1111/hex.70285. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-asthma-patient-disease.html