Psychological placebos have an effect

Placebo effects do not only occur in medical treatments

Although placebos contain no drug, they can still contribute to positive changes in the body. Researchers have now discovered that placebos work not only in medical treatments but also when they are thought to have psychological effects.

Effect without drug

Although placebos contain no drug, they can still contribute to medical treatment. The so-called placebo effect has also been part of various scientific studies. For example, scientists from Portugal in the journal "Pain" reported that chronic back pain can be reduced with placebo. Other researchers are also always concerned with the question of why and how illusory medicine works. Swiss experts have now discovered that even psychological placebos have an effect.

The placebo effect in medical treatments has long been known. Researchers have now found that even psychological placebos have an effect. (Image: alexlmx / fotolia.com)

Psychotherapy and placebo are based on very similar mechanisms

According to a statement from the University of Basel, psychotherapy and placebo are psychological interventions that not only have comparable effects, but are also based on very similar mechanisms:

Both forms of treatment are strongly influenced by the relationship between the patient and the patient as well as the expectation of improvement.

The previous placebo research is based on a biomedical model: a pill that is empty of content is attributed a medical significance, which causes a corresponding effect.

But little was known about the effects of psychological placebos so far.

Green calms down

Researchers from the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Basel have now found in three independent experiments with 421 healthy participants that placebos can have an effect even if they attribute certain psychological effects to them.

The accompanying explanation - the narrative - as well as the nature of the relationship between the researchers and the subjects played an important role in the delivery of the placebo.

As a placebo short films were used in the experiments, which were designed mainly green-colored.

According to reports, these films were presented with or without a psychological narrative ("Green Calm, because it activates early emotional patterns") and in the context of a neutral or friendly relationship.

Positive effect on the condition

After considering the placebo, the participants evaluated their personal condition for up to several days.

The communication showed that placebo had a positive effect on mood when administered with a psychological narrative and in the context of a friendly relationship.

According to the scientists, the observed effect was greatest after placebo administration, but was detectable one week later.

Not only important for understanding psychological interventions

"The observed effects were comparable to those of psychotherapeutic interventions in the same populations," explained study leader Prof. Dr. med. Jens Gaab.

That psychological placebos also have significant effects is not only important for understanding psychological interventions:

"It challenges both research and clinical practice to address these mechanisms and effects and their ethical implications."

The results of the study, in which also the Psychological Institute of the University of Zurich was involved, were published in the journal "Scientific Reports". (Ad)