Day 18: One thing I learned today…
Most people are familiar with the term Placebo Effect, which is when someone believes a medical treatment is real but in fact there is no active substance controlling the outcome.
Placebo Effects are quite effective. Believing you are getting a medication even if it is a sugar pill can effect individuals. This has resulted in a benefit in many scenarios. People may say they feel better but those getting the placebo may also see a reduction in blood pressure, a boost in immune system, or a decreased allergic response.
So what is going on here. Where does this come from? Clinical psychologist, Alia Crum, PhD, describes this as a result of the body’s own natural ability to heal itself with time as well as part of the mindset. The mindset is made up of thoughts, beliefs and expectations which
can be shaped by social context and cultural cues. These all have an effect on what is happening within the body. For example, things such as the name of the care facility and the doctor you are seeing can shape thoughts and beliefs. Just think if you were to be going in for a procedure and someone told you they have heard your doctor is awful. Where do you think your mind would be when you meet the doctor? This probably shapes how you feel and will effect your interactions with the doctor. Will you trust the doctor?
There is also a term called the Noceblo Effect which is defined as a detrimental effect on health produced by psychological or psychosomatic factors such as negative expectations of treatment or prognosis. Negative thoughts belief and expectations can lead to negative outcomes. A person may be given a placebo pill and then given the side effects of the medication they think they are takin. Within the Noceblo Effect, the person may report having these negative side effects. Negative emotions can be bad for immune system, cardiovascular system and the endocrine system. Some research shows between 4-24% of people drop out of studies due to side effects even though they are in the placebo condition.
This just goes to show how powerful the mind is.
How many people use Dr. Google as a resource when you are feeling pain or illness ??? How do you feel? Do you immediately jump to the worst case scenarios?
Source:Trained: Season 7 Episode 2 Harnessing the Power of Your Mind, Ali Crum PhD.
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