Placebo Effects Through the Lens of Translational Research

This new book on placebo is a thorough and authoritative volume. It will be of particular value for the design and interpretation of mechanistic studies and clinical trials. The chapters are well-written and, importantly, the authors take great care defining relevant terms. It is an outstanding contribution to the field and should be a must-read for both established and new scientists interested in the placebo effect. * Howard L. Fields, Emeritus Professor University of California, San Francisco *
As mounting evidence demonstrates how the placebo response contributes to treatment effectiveness across a broad range of medical specialties, we increasingly appreciate how a deeper understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effect and the external factors that influence the response can be harnessed to meaningfully improve the future of healthcare delivery. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the science and clinical implications of the placebo effects and how the effect is (or is not) thoughtfully considered in modern healthcare settings. * Gerard Sanacora, Professor, Yale University *
This book is a must-read for both clinicians and scientists. It is a rich source of information for those who want to better understand the mechanisms of placebo and nocebo and will guide future research to harness the effect of these powerful endogenous mechanisms. * Serge Marchand, Professor, University of Sherbrooke *
Throughout history, placebos were often peddled by unscrupulous individuals selling snake oil as a cure-all for various ailments. However, over time, it has been shown that the placebo effect is both real and effective for many medical conditions. Although its origins were once mysterious, we now understand that the placebo effect is rooted in a combination of neurobiological, behavioral, and psychological factors. This book provides an excellent overview of the translational sciences behind placebos, shedding light on this previously enigmatic phenomenon. * Sean Mackey, Redlich Professor of Anesthesiology, Stanford School of Medicine *
The science of placebo is about understanding how to set self-healing mechanisms in motion. This pioneering text articulates the science of this dynamic process while pragmatically guiding the reader towards its implementation. It raises the artful clinician as one of the most powerful healing vectors. * Dave Rakel, Esther Millard Endowed Professor, University of Wisconsin *
I have always thought that the placebo effect might be the most interesting phenomenon ever discovered. It's at the exact interface between biology and psychology and is probably the most robust treatment known to medicine. This exciting book covers placebo-and its evil twin, nocebo-from every conceivable angle. A must-read for experts and anyone interested in health. * Jeffrey S. Mogil, E.P. Taylor Professor of Pain Studies, McGill University *