Doctors, Patients, and Medical Science

Why do people experience less pain and depression when they are given pills that contain only inert ingredients? Perhaps taking a pill symbolizes and evokes personal action toward better health. Why do colors of pills and brand names seem to make a difference? Perhaps because color and brand names have associated health-related meanings. Why do people experiencing sham surgery or sham acupuncture respond favorably? Perhaps because they have faith in the surgeon or acupuncturist and expect to be helped by these symbolically powerful healers. Why do people drinking decaffeinated coffee feel stimulated? Perhaps because the smell, taste, and warmth evoke memories, learned responses, and expectations of stimulation.

Why do people of Chinese heritage die younger if they are born in unlucky years? Perhaps because unlucky years are symbolically powerful, capable of influencing health-related beliefs and behaviors. If we accept that body, mind, and culture are inextricably linked, and that causality is a complex network with multiple feedback loops, we will be more careful interpreting reductionist science testing only individual strands.

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine 49.2 (2006) 178-198 

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Erik 28-07-2008 22:31:53 Ook de prijs van de placebo-pil maakt uit; dure placebo's werken beter dan goedkopere placebo's.