Hospitals, Pharma

TEDMED talk on the placebo effect highlights patient mindset in healing process

It would be oversimplified to call it the power of positive thinking, but Harvard Medical […]

It would be oversimplified to call it the power of positive thinking, but Harvard Medical School Professor Ted Kaptchuk‘s talk at TEDMED 2014 in Washington D.C., highlighted compelling research surrounding the placebo effect. Kaptchuk focused on applications of the placebo effect for conditions as diverse as migraine headaches to Parkinson’s disease. It demonstrates that some of the power of a drug comes from a patient thinking that it will work.

Kaptchuk pointed out that balancing hands-on care, patient engagement and the power of suggestion could help the brain heal the body. “The brain can function as a prediction machine,” said Kaptchuk. “Anticipating relief can lead to real relief.”

He referenced a study of 22 patients with irritable bowel syndrome, for example. Although 27 percent got better without any drug intervention, 42 percent showed improvement with hands-on care and the majority benefited from a combination of a placebo and hands-on care.

Kaptchuk emphasized, “It does not mean we want to replace drugs with placebos, but what I am saying is we need to have a balance between good medication and good human care.”

In an interview following his talk, Kaptchuk said the findings are a significant contrast with a medical system that relies heavily on drugs, but he’s been granted a wide audience through grand round lectures he’s delivered at hospitals around the country. “We’re hoping to make medications more patient friendly.”

Kaptchuk’s research raises some interesting questions on how the placebo effect could play a role in reducing some of the unavoidable side effects of some medications. He noted that one area of research he is pursuing is exploring the placebo effect for chemotherapy side effects, such as nausea and depression.

Shares0
Shares0