Understanding The Placebo Effect

Jessica Groom

What Is The Placebo Effect?

Photo Credit: Dreamstime

Since placebos are not the actual treatment, they do not act on the condition or disease itself. However, the placebo effect refers to the influence of placebos over the way a patient feels and any change in an individual’s symptoms, both positive and negative, qualifies as the placebo effect. Some of the negative symptoms the placebo effect can cause include headaches, nausea, or constipation. In most instances, the placebo effect only lasts for a short period. Many researchers believe the placebo effect is related to the human body’s natural ability to relieve pain and other symptoms temporarily.

Continue reading to discover how expectation and confidence affect how the placebo effect works.

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What Is The Placebo Effect?

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