Recent research has shown that high expectations may affect the efficacy of certain medications. Simply expecting a drug to have specific benefits can help bring about those positive results.

It's a new spin on the placebo effect.

Until this latest round of research, doctors believed that the placebo effect was solely psychological, but it's now looking like the mind truly does have the ability to bring about change in the body. Simply expecting to feel the benefit of treatment can actually trigger neurological signs of healing.

In one study, the jaws of healthy young men were injected with salt water which caused painful pressure. They were then given a placebo pain reliever. Upon learning that they were given this “pain reliever” their brains quickly released endorphins which brought about relief.

“Our brain really is on drugs when we get a placebo,” said co-researcher Christian Stohler of the University of Maryland.

Now doctors just have to figure out how to harness the power of the placebo. Stay tuned.

[via AP]

(Illustration: Openmind Magazine)