Managing Expectations: The Placebo Effect

by Amy Sherman, LMHC

You may have heard of the Placebo Effect in medicine, where a doctor gives his patient a fake drug, such as sugar pills or saline water injections instead of the real thing.  The reason for this is because he may feel that the complaints have no physical basis and do not warrant the heavy medication the patient desires.  In fact, the doctor knows that saline solution is 70% as effective as morphine in reducing pain, for instance.  The placebo works because the patient believes that what he/she is taking will ease the pain.  In other words, the patient’s expectations actually influence the body’s chemistry (after all, the body and mind are interconnected) and physiological changes in the pituitary start releasing endorphins, which are our natural, powerful painkillers.

Therefore, if you believe strongly enough in the treatment, it will work.  Studies have shown that about 50% of the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs is due to the placebo effect.  People associate taking medication with feeling better, so even a “fake” medication will be as helpful.

When someone comes for psychotherapy to work through problems, half the job is already done when the client walks through the door.  In fact, their belief that they will see improvement helps in the therapeutic process.  The therapy placebo effect is working.

As you travel through life, know that your expectations will make or break your experiences.  Use the placebo effect to your advantage.  Know that if you expect the worst, it will probably happen.    Know that if you expect positive results, you’ll get that too.  Since you are capable of raising your own endorphin levels, through exercise (runner’s high), thrilling rides (roller coasters), eating spicy foods (hot chilies), you can also induce feelings of pleasure and euphoria through stress reduction exercises, meditation, biofeedback, etc.    Know that these treatments work as effectively as other more conventional remedies to bring you the results you want.

There is a hidden factor in our understanding of reality and that is the Placebo Effect.  I works all the time, every day, every where you are changing your expectations and allowing this powerful healing modality to come through.

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Amy Sherman, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice.  She is the author of "Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life."  Visit http://www.bummedoutboomer.com and receive a Special Report on Overcoming Adversity when you sign up for the free eNewsletter.  Amy can be reached at amy@bummedoutboomer.com or 561-281-2975.