A placebo is a phony cure that works. This is very hard…
“A placebo is a phony cure that works. This is very hard for the medical profession to get their teeth around because they hate placebos, but scientifically, placebos work in about 30% of cases that are psychogenic diseases.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Language of Post-Modern Architecture, 1977
Placebos, despite being inert, can trigger healing in a significant minority of psychogenic illnesses.
In simple terms: Placebos can cause real effects in some mental‑origin illnesses.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of expectation in treatment.
Themes
medicine
psychology
placebo effect
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
practical
ethical
When to use this quote
- patient counseling
- clinical trials
- psychogenic disorders
Key Concepts
expectation
mind‑body interaction
clinical practice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians ethically harness placebo effects?
- What limits exist for placebo efficacy?
A Different Perspective
Placebo effectiveness varies and may be ethically contentious.