A Brief Review of the Placebo Effect

Abstract

David P. Austin, Jessica L. Austin and Stephanie L. Rendall

The present manuscript addresses introductory information and a review of the literature regarding the placebo effect. Included is a discussion on the many definitions of the placebo effect; what it is and how it works. A detailed history follows that includes specific time periods where there was more placebo effect than scientific medicine, and an up to date argument about some placebos of today. The role of desire and expectation will also be explored, along with conditioning theory debates. Finally, this report discusses neuroanatomical evidence for the placebo effect.

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