Placebos work—even when people know they are placebos!

It used to be thought that the placebo effect only worked if people believed they were getting an active treatment.

But this new study found that even knowing it’s a placebo can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in just two weeks.

To me, this tells us two things:

1️⃣ The mind is a powerful driver of change.

2️⃣ Taking an active role in healing (like by taking a pill) gives a sense of control and empowerment— an overlooked key to healing.

While I can nerd out over metabolic pathways, nutrient interactions, and all things science, I’ll always leave space for the inexplicable magic in healing ✨

Guevarra DA, Webster CT, Moros JN, Kross E, Moser JS. Remotely administered non-deceptive placebos reduce COVID-related stress, anxiety, and depression. Appl Psychol Health Well Being. Published online August 14, 2024. [link]