I've read up a bit about this topic, but is there any books or recommendations that really cover the idea of what is popularized as the "mind-body connection + placebo effect"? There's obviously the best sellers / self-help crap in the world and even books on back pain being healed from this general "placebo" effect or at least the new awareness of it.
I've noticed this personal effect to be a constant theme in my life. I'm a chronic overthinker (OCD perhaps) and when I become aware enough of said "placebo effect", my problems go away and new ones take their place. Maybe that's just life, but there's such a strong power to placebo I'd love to learn more about.
Irving Kirsch, psych professor at Harvard, wrote a book called "The Emperor's New Drugs" which argues that antidepressants are basically just placebos. I haven't read the book but I have seen a lot of interviews and articles on his research and it's pretty damning.
I have read this book, and can confirm, it is extremely interesting and pretty damning.
I'm frankly surprised it hasn't had more of an impact; it really does seem like SSRIs are causing a lot of harm to a lot of people in the form of side effects, and the scientific evidence seems to point strongly toward them being no better than any other active placebo. Yet, they continue to be prescribed in ever-increasing numbers.
Well, to be blunt, it's because there are billion dollar pharmaceutical companies that want to keep making money off of these drugs, with around 20% of adults taking anti-depressants at any given time.
I've noticed this personal effect to be a constant theme in my life. I'm a chronic overthinker (OCD perhaps) and when I become aware enough of said "placebo effect", my problems go away and new ones take their place. Maybe that's just life, but there's such a strong power to placebo I'd love to learn more about.