Placebo Effects: Brain Cures w/o Chemical Substances?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the placebo effect and its relation to the improvement of one's condition. It is mentioned that while placebos do not directly improve the underlying condition, they can have a positive effect by encouraging optimism and better self-care. The question is raised whether some individuals may respond positively to placebo for all types of medicine while others never respond positively to any medicine. Additionally, there is an inquiry into whether there is research on how the brains of individuals who are susceptible to the placebo effect may differ from others.
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kenny1999
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I know that if some patients are given real medicine while other some are given sweets but not told, for those who get positive effect without real medicine are placebo.

However, for the rest of those who don't have positive effect (without real medicine). Does it mean that some of the individuals could respond positively to placebo AT ALL FOR ALL MEDICINE while the rest of them never respond positively to ANY MEDICINE?

For those who could respond positively to placebo, In my opinion, it means their brain could
cure them instead of using real chemical substances, is there any research or study on these types of patients to find out how their brains are different from the other?
 
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The placebo effect relates to how someone reports their condition. By definition, placebos do not directly improve the underlying condition.
There are certainly times when the placebo effect can have a real benefit - for example by encouraging optimism the placebo effect may also encourage the patient to take better care of himself/herself.
In such cases, someone who isn't helped by that kind of encouragement in one case, may certainly be helped by encouragement in other cases.
 
  • #3
kenny1999 said:
However, for the rest of those who don't have positive effect (without real medicine). Does it mean that some of the individuals could respond positively to placebo AT ALL FOR ALL MEDICINE while the rest of them never respond positively to ANY MEDICINE?

No. Virtually everyone responds to some medication and virtually everyone has some sort of placebo effect, especially given that certain things like pain are known to be somewhat controllable by one's mindset in some situations.

kenny1999 said:
For those who could respond positively to placebo, In my opinion, it means their brain could
cure them instead of using real chemical substances, is there any research or study on these types of patients to find out how their brains are different from the other?

Probably, but given the extreme complexity of the brain I'd bet that there is unlikely to be any clear, noticeable, unambiguous differences that could account for someone's susceptibility to experience a placebo effect.
 
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Related to Placebo Effects: Brain Cures w/o Chemical Substances?

1. What is the placebo effect?

The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which a person experiences a positive effect or improvement in their symptoms, even though they have received a fake treatment or substance with no known active ingredients.

2. How does the placebo effect work?

The exact mechanism of the placebo effect is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the brain's ability to produce natural chemicals, such as endorphins, that can have a positive effect on the body and mind.

3. What conditions can the placebo effect be effective for?

The placebo effect has been shown to be effective for a variety of conditions, including pain, depression, anxiety, and even some physical symptoms like nausea and fatigue. It can also have a positive impact on overall well-being and quality of life.

4. Is the placebo effect always beneficial?

While the placebo effect can have positive effects for many people, it is not a guaranteed cure and may not work for everyone. In some cases, the placebo effect can also lead to false or temporary improvements, which may mask underlying health issues that need to be addressed.

5. How can the placebo effect be used in medical treatment?

The placebo effect is often used in clinical trials as a comparison to determine the effectiveness of a new treatment. It can also be used as a complementary therapy in combination with traditional medical treatments. Additionally, techniques such as mindfulness and positive thinking can harness the power of the placebo effect to improve overall health and well-being.

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