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 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”
20 things you didn’t know about the placebo effect
Almost everyone knows something about the placebo effect, but here are 20 facts you probably haven't heard before.
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?