Psychogenic Illness and the Nocebo Effect

In this podcast episode, we explore the significant effects of placebo and nocebo phenomena on health and treatment outcomes, demonstrating how our expectations can reshape our experiences of pain, anxiety, and efficacy of treatments. Featuring innovative experiments with placebo alcoholic beverages by Michael Bernstein, the discussion extends to open-label placebos and their relevance in addressing the opioid crisis. We also touch on the ethical ramifications of using placebos, the role of cultural beliefs, and their real-world effects in psychotherapy and conditions like Havana Syndrome. Ultimately, the episode prompts listeners to reflect on how our expectations can powerfully influence our health journeys.

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The Michael Shermer Show

Sponsors and Introduction

Michael Bernstein's Background and Placebo Alcohol

Placebo Effects and Alcoholism

Defining Placebo and Nocebo Effects

Pain, Ice, and the Subjectivity of Treatment

The Placebo Effect in Alternative Medicine

Nocebo Effects and Cultural Beliefs

Adverse Drug Reactions and the Nocebo Effect

Case Studies and the Ethics of Placebo Use

Open-Label Placebos and Research on the Opioid Crisis

The Limitations of Medical Knowledge and the Placebo Effect in Surgery

Psychotherapy, Mass Psychogenic Illnesses, and Havana Syndrome

Havana Syndrome and Conclusion

Psychogenic Illness and the Nocebo Effect

The Michael Shermer Show

00:00Sponsors and Introduction

Sponsors and Introduction

01:43Michael Bernstein's Background and Placebo Alcohol

Michael Bernstein's Background and Placebo Alcohol

05:51Placebo Effects and Alcoholism

Placebo Effects and Alcoholism

07:26Defining Placebo and Nocebo Effects

Defining Placebo and Nocebo Effects

10:51Pain, Ice, and the Subjectivity of Treatment

Pain, Ice, and the Subjectivity of Treatment

15:16The Placebo Effect in Alternative Medicine

The Placebo Effect in Alternative Medicine

20:30Nocebo Effects and Cultural Beliefs

Nocebo Effects and Cultural Beliefs

25:07Adverse Drug Reactions and the Nocebo Effect

Adverse Drug Reactions and the Nocebo Effect

32:58Case Studies and the Ethics of Placebo Use

Case Studies and the Ethics of Placebo Use

40:02Open-Label Placebos and Research on the Opioid Crisis

Open-Label Placebos and Research on the Opioid Crisis

52:09The Limitations of Medical Knowledge and the Placebo Effect in Surgery

The Limitations of Medical Knowledge and the Placebo Effect in Surgery

1:12:19Psychotherapy, Mass Psychogenic Illnesses, and Havana Syndrome

Psychotherapy, Mass Psychogenic Illnesses, and Havana Syndrome

1:24:24Havana Syndrome and Conclusion

Havana Syndrome and Conclusion