Physiology of the placebo effect, and the evidence for changes in brain metabolism.
Placebo effects are accompanied by localised changes in brain physiology. Variation between individuals in the extent of a placebo effect is due to genetic variation in brain enzyme activity. Some of the effect of any active drug is a placebo effect, and this should be considered in the evaluation of overall action.
Wallace
Martin
M
24 Stonebridge Estate, Wallace Road, R D 9, Hamilton 3289, New Zealand. mart-jan@xtra.co.nz
D000698:Analgesia; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003213:Conditioning, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D015990:Placebo Effect; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000502:physiology; D013404:Suggestion
D011957:Receptors, Opioid