Knowingly taking placebo pills eases pain, study finds

  • Context: Medical 
  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pain Study
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of the placebo effect, particularly in the context of knowingly taking placebo pills for pain relief, as highlighted by a study on lower back pain. Participants explore the implications of this effect, its psychological underpinnings, and the variability in individual responses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the placebo effect is genuine or if it relies on the imagination of individuals experiencing pain.
  • One participant shares personal experience, suggesting that conscious belief in the placebo effect is fleeting and that deeper subconscious belief may be necessary for lasting effects.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that the placebo effect can occur without a supportive relationship with a healthcare provider, suggesting that environmental expectations play a significant role.
  • Emotional validation from others is noted as a potential factor in enhancing the placebo effect, with references to its importance in various life situations.
  • Some participants express that the placebo effect does not work universally, sharing personal anecdotes of pain relief not being achieved through belief alone.
  • Psychological factors, such as distraction during activities, are discussed as influencing awareness of pain and discomfort.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the efficacy of the placebo effect, with some asserting it works for certain individuals while others report it does not work for them. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the psychological mechanisms involved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the subjective nature of personal experiences with pain and the placebo effect, as well as the potential influence of external factors such as emotional support and environmental expectations.

wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
Messages
4,410
Reaction score
551
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161014214919.htm

How can taking a placebo pill cure back ache, do some people imagine they have back ache so the (cure) works.
Date:
October 14, 2016
Source:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Summary:
A new study is the first to demonstrate beneficial placebo effect for lower back pain sufferers who knew they were taking 'fake pills.' Patients who knowingly took placebos reported 30 percent less pain and 29 percent reduction in disability compared to control group. 'Open-labeling' addresses longtime ethical dilemma, allowing patients to choose placebo treatments with informed consent.
Share:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Garlic
Biology news on Phys.org
I've been using this technique for a while. Believing that you get better in one area for a while, despite the fact that you know this is only your imagination. However the problem with this technique is, if you only believe this with your consciousness, the effects disappear once you stop thinking about it (which usually occur within a minute). The true effect of this phenomena would be able to seen, when the individials subconsciousness believe in this, too, where the effects (although not too strong) would last much longer.
One example of this in our daily lives would probably be the optimism and pessimism; when the induvidial is optimistic, the one sees things in a posivite way, and vice versa. And because of that, their lives differ even if they experience the same things.
These are my opinions on this subject.
 
"Our findings demonstrate the placebo effect can be elicited without deception,"

No.

"Taking placebo pills to relieve symptoms without a warm and empathic relationship with a health-care provider relationship probably would not work,"

Expectations from the environment can be manipulated and influence even if that's a form of deception that only weights on the subconscious.
 
Emotional validation (concern, attention, etc.) by others almost always helps people feel better when struggling, that's the reason counseling can work. Having concerned people 'in it with you' has a protective health affect in numerous situations like serious illnesses, poverty, crisis, and even war situations. The finding doesn't surprise me. It's nice to have someone care, even if just a stranger handing you a pill.
 
It works for some people and not for others. That's basically it. It doesn't work for me. For example, I'll think I've taken my pain meds, and and hour later I'm still in excrutiating pain, and can't understand why, then find my pills, I didn't take them. So, if the placebo effect worked, thinking I took them should have relieved the pain and it didn't.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Fervent Freyja
Yeah, I think there are a lot of psychological factors affecting this kind of thing.

If I am busy doing something active, I am often not aware of minor nicks and cuts when they occur.
Also sometimes I get mildly sick (gradually) and don't realize it until I got recover and notice I had been not feeling good.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Fervent Freyja

Similar threads

Medical Placebos Work In the Absence of Deception
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K