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.
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.
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
Unbox and find a shared purpose
To put people into boxes is human. We commonly categorise people by nationality, ethnicity, age, hair colour, class, educational level, job etc. These categories, bring people together, but they also divide. So why don't we take ourselves out of these boxes, and instead, take a look at what makes us human and how we can … Continue reading Unbox and find a shared purpose
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