• BristolPress | Story Of The Day
Saturday, May 31, 2025
  • Login
Bristol Press
  • Home
  • World
  • News
  • Politics
    Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

    Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

    SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

    SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

    Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

    Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

    Reform chief rules out IndyRef and claims party will be second biggest in Scotland

    Reform chief rules out IndyRef and claims party will be second biggest in Scotland

    Scotland being held back by chronic shortage of housing with calls for 25,000 new builds a year

    Scotland being held back by chronic shortage of housing with calls for 25,000 new builds a year

    Keeping Royal Family in Scotland ‘can no longer be justified’, claims Patrick Harvie

    Keeping Royal Family in Scotland ‘can no longer be justified’, claims Patrick Harvie

    Reform UK defeat Labour in crunch by-election by six votes after recount

    Reform UK defeat Labour in crunch by-election by six votes after recount

    Labour Government accused of ‘closing down’ Aberdeen over oil and gas jobs and ‘betrayal’ on GB Energy

    Labour Government accused of ‘closing down’ Aberdeen over oil and gas jobs and ‘betrayal’ on GB Energy

    Donald Trump dream of bringing Open Championship back to Turnberry is about more than golf

    Donald Trump dream of bringing Open Championship back to Turnberry is about more than golf

    Nigel Farage says Reform would prefer SNP to win next Holyrood election instead of Labour

    Nigel Farage says Reform would prefer SNP to win next Holyrood election instead of Labour

    SNP and Labour race for Hamilton ‘too close to call’ as parties set for crunch by-election

    SNP and Labour race for Hamilton ‘too close to call’ as parties set for crunch by-election

    Rapist Isla Bryson ‘is a woman’ says Green by-election candidate in Clydebank

    Rapist Isla Bryson ‘is a woman’ says Green by-election candidate in Clydebank

    Trending Tags

    • Business

      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

    • Sports
      Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

      Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

      Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

      Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

      World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

      World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

      How a ferry and a forklift helped Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reach the top as SFWA Manager of the Year relives his journey

      How a ferry and a forklift helped Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reach the top as SFWA Manager of the Year relives his journey

      How Celtic fans can still land Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final tickets as second chance emerges

      How Celtic fans can still land Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final tickets as second chance emerges

      Ante Palaversa tells Aberdeen pals how they can turn Rangers atmosphere early as Jimmy Thelin message revealed

      Ante Palaversa tells Aberdeen pals how they can turn Rangers atmosphere early as Jimmy Thelin message revealed

      Kieran Tierney hit by brutal takedown as Arsenal star ‘finds his level’ at Celtic

      Kieran Tierney hit by brutal takedown as Arsenal star ‘finds his level’ at Celtic

      Scott McTominay picks out incredible favourite Napoli nickname as swooning team-mate stunned by the golden guy

      Scott McTominay picks out incredible favourite Napoli nickname as swooning team-mate stunned by the golden guy

      Alan Brazil risks wrath of Celtic fans as he fears Tottenham or Leeds United await Brendan Rodgers

      Alan Brazil risks wrath of Celtic fans as he fears Tottenham or Leeds United await Brendan Rodgers

      Daizen Maeda and a forgotten transfer as Celtic top boy sold to best teams on planet like a superstar signing

      Daizen Maeda and a forgotten transfer as Celtic top boy sold to best teams on planet like a superstar signing

      Neil Critchley admits new Hearts signing is injured as he reveals plan to get him up and running for Tynecastle arrival

      Neil Critchley admits new Hearts signing is injured as he reveals plan to get him up and running for Tynecastle arrival

      Celtic squad revealed as Brendan Rodgers looks for edge factor sorely missing to force Rangers’ hand

      Celtic squad revealed as Brendan Rodgers looks for edge factor sorely missing to force Rangers’ hand

      Trending Tags

      • Technology
        Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit lowest price since Black Friday at five different retailers

        Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit lowest price since Black Friday at five different retailers

        Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster

        Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster

        Amazon slashes 52% off ‘brilliant’ Samsung Tablet now only £80 in limited time deal

        Amazon slashes 52% off ‘brilliant’ Samsung Tablet now only £80 in limited time deal

        Amazon Tech Week Sale sees £100 off Apple Watch, LG Smart TV down 45% and more

        Amazon Tech Week Sale sees £100 off Apple Watch, LG Smart TV down 45% and more

        Sky flash sale cuts TV and Netflix pack with double broadband speed to record low price

        Sky flash sale cuts TV and Netflix pack with double broadband speed to record low price

      • Health
        ‘I lost 6stone with weight loss jabs but there’s one side-effect no one tells you about’

        ‘I lost 6stone with weight loss jabs but there’s one side-effect no one tells you about’

        One surprising food ‘you should eat 3 times a week’ to lower heart disease risk

        One surprising food ‘you should eat 3 times a week’ to lower heart disease risk

        Women thought she had a sore neck – then was diagnosed with cancer

        Women thought she had a sore neck – then was diagnosed with cancer

        ‘I lost 3stone and 5 dress sizes with weight loss jabs but there’s a big drawback’

        ‘I lost 3stone and 5 dress sizes with weight loss jabs but there’s a big drawback’

        Test your brain health with 30-point cognitive exercise taken by Donald Trump

        Test your brain health with 30-point cognitive exercise taken by Donald Trump

      • Entertainment
        Film fans have just days to watch ‘most perfect film ever made’ before it’s axed from BBC

        Film fans have just days to watch ‘most perfect film ever made’ before it’s axed from BBC

        ‘Time saving’ robot vacuum drops below £100

        ‘Time saving’ robot vacuum drops below £100

        Shoppers ‘blown away’ by ‘excellent’ mist fan perfect for heatwave

        Shoppers ‘blown away’ by ‘excellent’ mist fan perfect for heatwave

        Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in one week

        Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in one week

        Scots react to American called Scotland and whether name is ‘cool or just dumb’

        Scots react to American called Scotland and whether name is ‘cool or just dumb’

      • Life Style
      • Travel
      • Education
        People urged to apply for £200 grant with deadline in days

        People urged to apply for £200 grant with deadline in days

        School leaders want to see more fines for parents to tackle major problem

        School leaders want to see more fines for parents to tackle major problem

        Children were violently attacked in a school and college – this is the response

        Children were violently attacked in a school and college – this is the response

        Second private school in Wales faces closure as pupil numbers fall

        Second private school in Wales faces closure as pupil numbers fall

        Strike action at Cardiff University called off

        Strike action at Cardiff University called off

      • Real Estate
      No Result
      View All Result
      • Home
      • World
      • News
      • Politics
        Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

        Angela Rayner accuses Reform of ‘politics of hatred’ as she insists Labour can win bitter Holyrood by-election

        SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

        SNP complain about Reform’s ‘race-baiting’ advert on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

        Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

        Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC, sparking massive anti-terror response

        Reform chief rules out IndyRef and claims party will be second biggest in Scotland

        Reform chief rules out IndyRef and claims party will be second biggest in Scotland

        Scotland being held back by chronic shortage of housing with calls for 25,000 new builds a year

        Scotland being held back by chronic shortage of housing with calls for 25,000 new builds a year

        Keeping Royal Family in Scotland ‘can no longer be justified’, claims Patrick Harvie

        Keeping Royal Family in Scotland ‘can no longer be justified’, claims Patrick Harvie

        Reform UK defeat Labour in crunch by-election by six votes after recount

        Reform UK defeat Labour in crunch by-election by six votes after recount

        Labour Government accused of ‘closing down’ Aberdeen over oil and gas jobs and ‘betrayal’ on GB Energy

        Labour Government accused of ‘closing down’ Aberdeen over oil and gas jobs and ‘betrayal’ on GB Energy

        Donald Trump dream of bringing Open Championship back to Turnberry is about more than golf

        Donald Trump dream of bringing Open Championship back to Turnberry is about more than golf

        Nigel Farage says Reform would prefer SNP to win next Holyrood election instead of Labour

        Nigel Farage says Reform would prefer SNP to win next Holyrood election instead of Labour

        SNP and Labour race for Hamilton ‘too close to call’ as parties set for crunch by-election

        SNP and Labour race for Hamilton ‘too close to call’ as parties set for crunch by-election

        Rapist Isla Bryson ‘is a woman’ says Green by-election candidate in Clydebank

        Rapist Isla Bryson ‘is a woman’ says Green by-election candidate in Clydebank

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

          Rangers placed on Vaclav Cerny red alert over Wolfsburg ‘fire sale’ as Cyriel Dessers makes transfer stance clear

          Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

          Mathias Kvistgaarden waves Brondby farewell but Celtic hit with transfer blow as boss throws spanner in works

          World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

          World A-listers go nuts for Ange as Roy Keane drops the mic, McCoist breaks down barriers and Salah keeps receipts

          How a ferry and a forklift helped Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reach the top as SFWA Manager of the Year relives his journey

          How a ferry and a forklift helped Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reach the top as SFWA Manager of the Year relives his journey

          How Celtic fans can still land Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final tickets as second chance emerges

          How Celtic fans can still land Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final tickets as second chance emerges

          Ante Palaversa tells Aberdeen pals how they can turn Rangers atmosphere early as Jimmy Thelin message revealed

          Ante Palaversa tells Aberdeen pals how they can turn Rangers atmosphere early as Jimmy Thelin message revealed

          Kieran Tierney hit by brutal takedown as Arsenal star ‘finds his level’ at Celtic

          Kieran Tierney hit by brutal takedown as Arsenal star ‘finds his level’ at Celtic

          Scott McTominay picks out incredible favourite Napoli nickname as swooning team-mate stunned by the golden guy

          Scott McTominay picks out incredible favourite Napoli nickname as swooning team-mate stunned by the golden guy

          Alan Brazil risks wrath of Celtic fans as he fears Tottenham or Leeds United await Brendan Rodgers

          Alan Brazil risks wrath of Celtic fans as he fears Tottenham or Leeds United await Brendan Rodgers

          Daizen Maeda and a forgotten transfer as Celtic top boy sold to best teams on planet like a superstar signing

          Daizen Maeda and a forgotten transfer as Celtic top boy sold to best teams on planet like a superstar signing

          Neil Critchley admits new Hearts signing is injured as he reveals plan to get him up and running for Tynecastle arrival

          Neil Critchley admits new Hearts signing is injured as he reveals plan to get him up and running for Tynecastle arrival

          Celtic squad revealed as Brendan Rodgers looks for edge factor sorely missing to force Rangers’ hand

          Celtic squad revealed as Brendan Rodgers looks for edge factor sorely missing to force Rangers’ hand

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit lowest price since Black Friday at five different retailers

            Apple AirPods Pro 2 hit lowest price since Black Friday at five different retailers

            Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster

            Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster

            Amazon slashes 52% off ‘brilliant’ Samsung Tablet now only £80 in limited time deal

            Amazon slashes 52% off ‘brilliant’ Samsung Tablet now only £80 in limited time deal

            Amazon Tech Week Sale sees £100 off Apple Watch, LG Smart TV down 45% and more

            Amazon Tech Week Sale sees £100 off Apple Watch, LG Smart TV down 45% and more

            Sky flash sale cuts TV and Netflix pack with double broadband speed to record low price

            Sky flash sale cuts TV and Netflix pack with double broadband speed to record low price

          • Health
            ‘I lost 6stone with weight loss jabs but there’s one side-effect no one tells you about’

            ‘I lost 6stone with weight loss jabs but there’s one side-effect no one tells you about’

            One surprising food ‘you should eat 3 times a week’ to lower heart disease risk

            One surprising food ‘you should eat 3 times a week’ to lower heart disease risk

            Women thought she had a sore neck – then was diagnosed with cancer

            Women thought she had a sore neck – then was diagnosed with cancer

            ‘I lost 3stone and 5 dress sizes with weight loss jabs but there’s a big drawback’

            ‘I lost 3stone and 5 dress sizes with weight loss jabs but there’s a big drawback’

            Test your brain health with 30-point cognitive exercise taken by Donald Trump

            Test your brain health with 30-point cognitive exercise taken by Donald Trump

          • Entertainment
            Film fans have just days to watch ‘most perfect film ever made’ before it’s axed from BBC

            Film fans have just days to watch ‘most perfect film ever made’ before it’s axed from BBC

            ‘Time saving’ robot vacuum drops below £100

            ‘Time saving’ robot vacuum drops below £100

            Shoppers ‘blown away’ by ‘excellent’ mist fan perfect for heatwave

            Shoppers ‘blown away’ by ‘excellent’ mist fan perfect for heatwave

            Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in one week

            Pensioners claiming new health benefit could get payment decision in one week

            Scots react to American called Scotland and whether name is ‘cool or just dumb’

            Scots react to American called Scotland and whether name is ‘cool or just dumb’

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            People urged to apply for £200 grant with deadline in days

            People urged to apply for £200 grant with deadline in days

            School leaders want to see more fines for parents to tackle major problem

            School leaders want to see more fines for parents to tackle major problem

            Children were violently attacked in a school and college – this is the response

            Children were violently attacked in a school and college – this is the response

            Second private school in Wales faces closure as pupil numbers fall

            Second private school in Wales faces closure as pupil numbers fall

            Strike action at Cardiff University called off

            Strike action at Cardiff University called off

          • Real Estate
          No Result
          View All Result
          Bristol Press
          No Result
          View All Result

          Six surprising things about placebos everyone should know

          by BP Author
          January 21, 2024
          in World
          0
          0
          SHARES
          3
          VIEWS
          Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


          Placebos have been studied more than any treatment in the history of medicine, yet they remain mysterious.

          I’ve been studying placebos for 20 years and I’ve done some of the key studies that have advanced the scientific knowledge in this area. Here are six facts about this strange effect that still fascinate me.

          1. Placebos have a dark cousin: nocebos

          A 29-year-old builder went to the hospital after having jumped onto a 15cm nail that pierced his boot. Moving the nail was so painful he had to be sedated with powerful drugs (fentanyl and midazolam) to remove it. But when he took off his boot, the medics discovered that the nail had gone between his toes. The builder’s pain was caused by the wrong belief that the nail had penetrated his foot.

          The detrimental effects of negative expectations are called nocebo effects. For evolutionary reasons (survival depends on avoiding danger), nocebo effects are larger than placebo effects.

          Unfortunately, patients are often told more about the bad things that might happen than the good things, which can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, learning that a drug has a possible side-effect of nausea or pain can actually cause nausea or pain.

          A builder about to step on a nail
          The nocebo effect is much stronger than the placebo effect.
          Gustavo MS_Photography/Shutterstock

          2. Placebos work even if people know they are placebos

          Linda Buonanno suffered so badly from irritable bowel syndrome that she often couldn’t leave the house for weeks. She signed up for a trial of “honest” (open-label) placebos, which is a placebo that patients know is a placebo.

          The Harvard doctors in the trial told her the pills were “placebo pills made of an inert substance, like sugar pills, that have been shown in clinical studies to produce significant improvement in [irritable bowel] symptoms through mind-body self-healing processes”.

          The honest placebos worked so well that she was able to resume a normal life.

          Honest placebos have worked in other trials for treating depression, back pain and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

          Honest placebos work because of our subconscious expectations. Our past experiences of doctors and hospitals can generate subconscious expectations that activate our body’s inner pharmacy, which produces morphine (endorphins) and other beneficial drugs.

          3. Honest placebos are ethically acceptable

          It is often considered unethical for doctors to give placebos to patients because this supposedly involves lying (telling patients that a sugar pill is a powerful medication). But honest placebos do not involve lying, so there is no ethical barrier.

          In one ongoing trial, doctors asked patients whether they would be willing to try a mix of real painkillers and honest placebos. Patients in this trial have the same level of pain relief following surgery, but are less likely to become dependent on painkillers.

          4. Placebo effects are part of most treatment effects

          When a doctor prescribes ibuprofen for back pain, the effects are due to the ibuprofen and the patient’s beliefs and expectations, which can be influenced by the doctor’s communication. Doctors who offer positive messages in a warm, empathic manner will increase the effect of the drugs.

          The size and colour of the pill can also influence the effect. A large, orange pill can reduce pain more than a small, red one.

          By contrast, blue pills generally have a sedative effect – except for Italian men, for whom blue pills have an excitative effect), probably because their revered football team wears blue.

          Doctors’ ethical duty to benefit patients suggests it is an ethical duty to maximise the placebo effects of all treatments they provide.

          5. You don’t need placebos to have placebo effects

          In one trial, patients were given morphine via an intravenous line following surgery. However, only half of the patients were told they were receiving morphine. The patients who were told this had 50% more pain relief than those who were not told they were receiving morphine. This is an example of a placebo effect without a placebo.

          6. You can generate placebo (and nocebo) effects in yourself

          All communication can have a beneficial or harmful effect. One study found that teaching communication skills to families reduced anxiety and depression. On the other hand, couples who dwell on problems and negative aspects of their relationships were shown in a study to have weaker immune systems.

          Acts of altruism, focusing on a brighter future, or gratitude are proven ways to reduce the effect of negative communication. An easy way to generate positive placebo effects for yourself is by performing a random act of kindness, such as making a colleague a cup of tea, or simply smiling and saying hello.

          You can learn more about the amazing effects of placebos and nocebos in my latest book, The Power of Placebos: How the Science of Placebos and Nocebos can Improve Health Care.



          Source link

          Previous Post

          Africa Caribbean SMEs Network seeks to drive economic growth while strengthening international relations

          Next Post

          Adam The Little Trucker’s Musical Journey

          Next Post
          Adam The Little Trucker’s Musical Journey

          Adam The Little Trucker's Musical Journey

          • BristolPress | Story Of The Day
          • Privacy Policy
          • Publishing Request
          • Contact

          Copyrights © 2024 BristoPress.co.uk | One of the authentic and fast UK News source.

          Welcome Back!

          Login to your account below

          Forgotten Password?

          Retrieve your password

          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

          Log In
          No Result
          View All Result
          • BristolPress | Story Of The Day
          • Contact
          • Privacy Policy

          Copyrights © 2024 BristoPress.co.uk | One of the authentic and fast UK News source.