Based on new research, it appears that some people are more susceptible than others in experiencing the placebo effect. The study analyzed how people are genetically predisposed to experiencing this. The term to describe this predisposition is labeled 'placebome'. It is believed that some people inherit two copies of a gene that codes for extra dopamine production. This would make people extremely sensitive. What is now more interesting to be observed is whether or not the placebo genes can materialize into other conditions. For example, people with irritable bowels are more sensitive to placebos people with lower back pain. The next step for this research is observing closely at drug dosages for individuals who are responsive to placebos.
This placebo effect issue could be very important to people testing drugs. This trait raises concerns about how different people respond to drug or experimental trials. This suggests that researchers need to re-calibrate the assumptions of placebo controls in randomized trials. Learning more about this could help in improving the quality of clinical trial designs. In order to study placebos, a no-treatment control is needed.
Link1:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150413140906.htm
Link2:
https://medcitynews.com/2015/04/can-genetics-predispose-people-experiencing-placebo-effect-might-depend-placebome/
I always thought that the placebo effect was extremely interesting. I think its cool to see that there is more then just an environmental effect to it.
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