Did you know that placebo effects and nocebo effect can be evoked without a placebo; or how about the unspoken ethics code when it comes to prescribing placebos? In a talk by Dr Luana Colloca we learn about the conflicts, ethics and future use of the placebo effect in clinical practice. Here, we summarise some of the key ideas in Dr Colloca's talk.
A Room with a View
In 1983, a groundbreaking study was published demonstrating that architectural environment influences recovery from surgery. Benedetti described the placebo as "the whole ritual of the therapeutic act", so why shouldn't that also include the clinical environment? In this article, we explore the 1983 study and the implications of this in global health.
The Secret Prescription
In 2013, a survey of UK primary care physicians revealed that 97% of them had used placebos in their career, with 77% of them using placebos at least once a week! We take a look at this and what it means for both patients and doctors.
The Architecture of Happiness
Alain de Botton's "The Architecture of Happiness" was one of the books that first got me thinking about how buildings can physically affect us. At Yekize, we believe that the placebo effect, is not just about what you take, but also about other factors such as the doctor-patient relationship and the clinical setting - so why not take architecture into consideration as well?
The Curious Case of Mr Wright
Mr Wright is a case dating back to 1957, in which a patient supposedly made a miraculous recovery via placebo, before relapsing straight-away upon discovering his treatment was a sham. Placebo researchers everywhere wish this case were true, but current research into the placebo effect throws the shadow of doubt on to this incredible story.
Why not cancer?
The placebo effect works for almost any condition, except for cancer. Don't get me wrong, placebos can help combat the symptoms of cancer, but they are useless when it comes to fighting the cancer itself. But why is this?
“Great architecture can heal”
In 2016, Michael Murphy did one of my all time favourite TED Talk's. It's entitled 'Architecture that's built to heal' and he discusses architecture as a means for physical, emotional and societal healing. His inspiring talk made me feel that this is something we should make more of. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvXZzKZ3JYQ Michael Murphy was inspired to action after hearing … Continue reading “Great architecture can heal”
Everyday placebos
Dutch company, The Gift Label, have produced a range of soap and lotions, with labels on featuring phrases such as 'You Look Damn Good'. Is this just cute marketing, or could there be something more to it?I don't know if you remember Dove's great viral marketing campaign, about beauty patches? Women were given patches to … Continue reading Everyday placebos
Top 8 TED Talks on the placebo effect
A selection of top TED Talks on the placebo effect. What better way to introduce yourself to the subject?
The essay that started it all
On a rainy February day, I received an e-mail from my university about the St Gallen Wings of Excellence Award. This award, gave you the opportunity to win an all expenses paid trip to the St Gallen Symposium and all you had to do was write an essay on the theme of Breaking the Status Quo: Your Disruptive … Continue reading The essay that started it all