Unexplainable Placebos work. Why?
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Nov 6, 2024 
Brian Resnick, a former editor at Vox, delves into the surprising effectiveness of placebos, even when patients know they're receiving sugar pills. He discusses how this challenges traditional medical views, sparking debates on ethical implications. The conversation highlights open-label placebos, revealing that transparency can enhance healing. Resnick also explores the role of patient-doctor trust and the power of expectations in health outcomes. With a mix of humor and insight, they question if placebos should become a staple in modern medicine.
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Sugar Pill Prescription
- A doctor gives a patient a sugar pill prescription for a headache.
- The patient is unsure how to fill the prescription.
Placebo Effect's Importance
- Doctors used to dismiss the placebo effect as insignificant.
- Now, scientists recognize its power and potential usefulness.
Kaptchuk's Concerns
- Ted Kaptchuk, a Harvard professor, felt uneasy about deceiving patients in placebo studies.
- He questioned the traditional belief that placebos only work through concealment.