Ispectrum Magazine Ispectrum Magazine #09 | Page 48

CRAZY THINGS ABOUT PLACEBOS YOU SHOULD KNOW Europeans react more positively to injections than to pills, but Americans believe that pills are much more effective than injections. Although lying to the individuals is crucial for placebo effectiveness, even when they are aware of receiving a fake drug, it can still work. The color, the size and the shape of the pills is very important and it really affects how well the placebo will work. Yellow pills are better for treating depression and red ones are more indicated for keeping people awake and alert. Green pills lead the ratings for treating anxiety while the white ones soothe stomach problems. Placebo surgery is amazingly effective. When administering morphine, patients react better if they are informed that they are receiving it than if not. People can inebriate themselves with placebos. Placebos can occur too among some animals. Several high profile studies are showing that placebos basically have the same effect than antidepressants but without side effects. The nocebo effect can make individuals experience the side effects of a medication after reading the side effects warnings. The nocebo effect can make people sick even if they are receiving treatment for recovering. The nocebo effect can end in psychogenic death. 47