Scientists may finally have an explanation for the effectiveness of placebos. It’s been known for a while that people taking a placebo sometimes feel better even though they’re taking a pill without any active ingredients. This phenomenon, called the placebo effect, happens when the patient fully believes that they’re being treated. In a paper just published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers found that the placebo effect can activate the brain’s reward system. This activation leads to a boosted immune system, providing a possible reason for the effectiveness of placebos.
Past research had already shown that the placebo effect stimulated the brain’s reward system, responsible for pleasure sensations. In this study, scientists artificially activated the ventral tegmental area of the brain in mice. This area is responsible for many key events in the brain’s reward system, including the release of dopamine. Dopamine is known as the “feel good” chemical and is involved in nearly every reward and pleasure center.
In simpler terms, the study shows that when the brain thinks it's receiving real treatment, it can kickstart the body's immune response. This was demonstrated by activating a specific brain area in mice, which led to a stronger defense against bacteria. The results suggest that the mind's belief in treatment can physically influence health outcomes.
This understanding of the placebo effect opens new doors for medical research and treatment, highlighting the power of positive thinking and belief in recovery. It also points to the importance of considering mental and emotional states in medical treatment and recovery processes.
REFERENCE
Tamar et al. "Activation of the reward system boosts innate and adaptive immunity," Nature Medicine, July 2016.
