Placebo Effect
Identify and learn about the placebo effect and drugs that can alter your conscience. Discuss your findings with your peers.
Sample Answer
Placebo effect
The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which a person experiences a perceived or reported improvement in their condition due to the administration of an inactive substance (placebo). This improvement is not due to the substance itself, but to the person’s belief that the substance is effective.
The placebo effect is thought to be mediated by the brain’s reward system. When a person takes a placebo and expects to feel better, their brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. This release of dopamine can lead to a decrease in pain and other symptoms.