Topic: Placebo

3 chapters across the catalog

69: Infektion
• 1:12:19 - 1:14:21

69: Infektion

Buyers Clubs, FDA Drug Approval Delays

During the late 1980s, the slow pace of FDA drug approvals led to the creation of "buyers clubs" for experimental treatments. Dr. Fauci admitted in 1988 that if he were a patient, he would seek drugs "on the street," a statement the hosts find remarkable given modern medical mandates.

34: Big Momma Drama
• 2:01:25 - 2:05:02

34: Big Momma Drama

Food Preparation Energy, Hoveround Usage, Canary in the Coal Mine

A discussion on the "placebo effect" of food suggests that the energy and intent of the person preparing a meal can affect the consumer. Conversely, disgruntled fast-food workers may transfer negative energy into the food they serve. The increasing prevalence of motorized "Hoveround" chairs in grocery stores is cited as a "canary in the coal mine" for the declining state of the American diet and physical health.

32: Nocebo
• 1:00:06 - 1:05:28

32: Nocebo

Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Medical Trials

The segment defines the "nocebo effect"— the dark counterpart to the placebo effect—where negative expectations cause real physical symptoms. Examples include patients in clinical trials dropping out due to side effects they were merely warned about, and men developing erectile dysfunction after being told a drug might cause it. Ted Kapchuk of Harvard University suggests that the ritual of medical care and the trust in a caregiver are more influential than the medicine itself.