The use of blind experiments to test the efficacy of a drug or treatment is a common practice. In a double-blind experiment, neither the participant nor the researcher knows whether the participant is receiving the actual treatment or a placebo. This is done to minimize observer bias, where the researcher's expectations may influence the results.
The placebo effect is a fascinating phenomenon, where the body responds to a placebo, which is a dummy treatment, as if it were the actual treatment. The effect of a placebo is influenced by the appearance of the treatment. Injectables are more effective than capsules, which are more effective than pills. Furthermore, the attitude of the person administering the treatment, such as expressing concern, friendliness, and empathy, can also enhance the placebo effect.
Interestingly, if a person believes that their blood can cure others and they are being treated while also believing this, the placebo effect is extremely powerful. However, the mechanism of the placebo effect is not yet fully understood and may be related to the comfort and solace provided by rituals.
On the other hand, the nocebo effect is the opposite of the placebo effect, where a person's fear or mistrust of a treatment or researcher can reduce its actual effect. During COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, many placebo recipients reported side effects, which it was estimated that approximately 2/3 of these side effects were due to the nocebo effect.
Individuals who are prone to self-hypnosis, such as those who watch videos like '美希命' that induce a sense of destiny, can be particularly susceptible to the placebo and nocebo effects. A user who described watching a video in this series reported experiencing stomach pain, even though they didn't physically feel unwell before watching. This highlights the potential for the placebo and nocebo effects to influence our physical well-being, simply by watching videos or reading about possible side effects.