Understanding The Placebo Effect

Expectation And Confidence

The placebo effect often stems out of expectation, meaning if a patient expects to feel better, their chances increase, or if they believe they are receiving a strong medication or are quite worried about side effects, the placebo is more likely to result in these side effects. However, the effect still does not directly cause these changes.

Another way in which the placebo effect occurs is through confidence. For instance, some patients may experience alleviated symptoms by just going to the doctor, even if pills, shots, or a procedure is not involved. Their symptoms improve simply because the act of going to the doctor makes them feel as if they are doing something to help! For this form of the placebo effect to occur, the patient in question typically must display a good deal of confidence in the doctor they are going to see and must believe in them.

Although the placebo effect does not directly cure any condition, the chance for alleviated symptoms can still be incredibly beneficial, and it truly does help to ensure new medications are as effective as possible.