Placebo effect: does it really exist?

"Let's see how long it takes for the medicine to work." When we take a pill, we assume that it contains a substance and therefore alleviates our symptoms. Now, however, more and more studies are revealing that Pills without an active ingredient can also help! Experts refer to this as the placebo effect.

via Anna-Lisa

09/26/2017, 16:42

Frauenhand mit Pillen — Does the placebo effect even exist?

Even pain decreases!

This amazing phenomenon of the placebo effect has already been clearly demonstrated in pain patients. If they are given placebo medication, their pain can actually decrease. The amazing thing: This effect also exists with surgery. This is shown by a US study. In order to simulate knee surgery, the doctor simply cut open the skin and stitched it up again. Nevertheless, the osteoarthritis patients felt better.

Experts believe that expectations play a major role in the placebo effect. If it is positive, the chances of successful treatment increase, provided there is no life-threatening illness.

The doctor also has an influence. If they are more empathetic, this also promotes recovery.