Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: How the Placebo Effect Works
Jan 18, 2020
Discover the fascinating world of the placebo effect, where belief can lead to real healing. Explore its rich history dating back to the 14th century and how it transformed modern medicine. Delve into the nocebo effect, illustrating how negative expectations can also manifest physically. The discussion delves into the significant role of perception and storytelling, even weaving in tales of ambition and infidelity. As the conversation unfolds, it questions the ethical dilemmas physicians face when prescribing placebos, enriched by heartfelt listener reflections.
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Placebo Origins
- The word "placebo" originates from 14th-century funeral practices.
- Hired mourners, called "placebos", would chant "Placebo Domino in regione vivorum" ("I shall please the Lord in the land of the living").
Kaptchuk's Journey
- Ted Kaptchuk, a former acupuncturist, became a leading placebo effect researcher at Harvard.
- His interest began when a patient improved before receiving acupuncture treatment.
Beecher's Wartime Observation
- Dr. Henry Beecher observed the placebo effect during World War II.
- A soldier reacted to saline solution as if it were morphine, prompting Beecher to investigate.