Placebos Cut Distress—Even When You Know They’re Placebos

Placebos Cut Distress—Even When You Know They’re Placebos
Researchers found study participants who were told about the placebo effect experienced therapeutic results. AllaBond/Shutterstock
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Placebos can reduce brain markers of emotional distress even when people know they are taking them, researchers report.

Scientists have long documented that people often feel better after taking a treatment without active ingredients simply because they believe it’s real—known as the placebo effect.

Caroline Brooks
Caroline Brooks
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