The Placebo Effect

The Placebo Effect is the amelioration of symptoms not attributable to medication—a kind of mental magic trick that has been shown to boost immunity and alleviate pain—even if you know it's all in your head.

Wising Up to Dummy Pills

Placebos work, even if you know they're drug-free.
by Andrea Bartz

Just a Sugar Pill?

Belief, like everything else, changes the brain.
by Nate Kornell, Ph.D.

Placebo and Exaggerated Claims

A fresh look at news coverage and the actual study
by James C. Coyne, Ph.D.

Should Psychiatrists Prescribe Placebos?

The place for drugs without side effects
by Peter D. Kramer

Self-Help

Most of us have things about ourselves we wish we could improve. Lasting change is difficult—many of our habits are deeply ingrained, and certain aspects of ourselves, such as core personality attributes, may be immutable. But many more things can be changed.

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Depression

Some 15 million Americans struggle with depression—an illness that comes in many forms—from major depression and seasonal affective disorder, to dysthymia and <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/bipolar-disorder"

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Placebo

It's amazing how a sugar pill can sometimes fix a dreaded ailment. Placebos are often prescribed, and sometimes to great therapeutic effect. Though the placebo throws a physician's honesty into question, many patients make lasting improvement.

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