The power of the placebo effect - Emma Bryce
TED-Ed・2 minutes read
The placebo effect, demonstrated through studies like the one involving Trivaricaine in 1996, highlights how fake treatments can still elicit real benefits for patients. Despite ethical concerns, placebos continue to be used in clinical trials to compare new treatments against existing ones, emphasizing the enduring impact and mystery of the placebo effect on human health.
Insights
- The placebo effect was demonstrated in a study with Trivaricaine, where subjects reported less pain despite the treatment being a fake concoction with no pain-easing properties, highlighting the significant impact of psychological factors on perceived pain relief.
- Placebos, originating in the 1700s, are utilized in clinical trials to test new treatments without biasing results, although ethical concerns have reduced their use. They are still employed as controls to compare new drugs against existing treatments, emphasizing the continued relevance of the placebo effect in medical research.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What was the purpose of the Trivaricaine study?
To test the placebo effect on pain relief.
How did placebos originate?
In the 1700s to improve symptoms.
Why are placebos used in clinical trials?
To compare effects of new drugs.
What led to the decrease in placebo use?
Ethical concerns in clinical trials.
How do placebos impact human bodies?
By showcasing the mystery of the placebo effect.