A placebo is a medication, substance or any other type of treatment that looks like a normal treatment, but has no active effect, that is, it does not make any changes in the body.
This type of medication or treatment is very important during tests to discover a new drug, because in the test groups, some people are treated with the new medicine, while others are treated with a placebo. Thus, at the end of the test, if the results are the same for both groups, it is a sign that the new drug has no effect.
However, the effect of the placebo also plays an important role in the treatment of some diseases, because, although it does not cause any change in the body, it can modify the way the person feels, helping to improve the symptoms and even increasing the success of the treatment that it was already being done.
How the Placebo Effect Works
The exact way the placebo effect works in the treatment of diseases is not yet known, however, the most accepted theory indicates that the use of this type of treatment is based on the expectations of the person. That is, when taking a medication, hoping that it will have a certain effect, the body's own chemical processes try to mimic the effect and produce changes in the body, improving symptoms, for example.
Thus, the placebo effect is already successfully used in the treatment of several problems such as:
- Depression; Sleep disorders; Irritable bowel syndrome; Menopause; Chronic pain.
However, the placebo effect can also have the opposite effect, causing the person to experience some of the side effects that they would experience when taking a normal medicine, such as headaches, restlessness, nausea or constipation, for example.
To work properly, the placebo must be used without the person, who expects the effect, knowing that he is taking it. A good example is giving a vitamin C pill in place of an anxiety pill, for example.
Can placebo effect cure diseases?
The use of placebos does not help to cure diseases, it is only able to relieve some symptoms, especially those related to mental health. Thus, although placebos can be used in cases of more serious diseases, such as cancer, they cannot replace the treatments indicated by the doctor.
When it can be useful
The placebo effect is useful in helping to reduce the number of drugs or treatments used to relieve symptoms, leaving the body less intoxicated.
In addition, when used correctly, placebos can provide a new sense of hope to people with chronic illnesses, improving quality of life.
