anticipatory nausea

Anticipatory nausea is a psychological response where a person begins to feel nauseous before a medical treatment, like chemotherapy, even before starting. It often develops after repeated treatments, as the mind associates the clinic environment or other cues with the unpleasant experience. This conditioned response can cause anxiety and physical symptoms similar to nausea, making future treatments more uncomfortable. Managing anticipatory nausea may involve relaxation techniques, medication, or behavioral therapies to break the learned association and reduce this conditioned reaction.