Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Placebo Effect


New research suggests that the strength of the Placebo effect could be affected by one's genes.

Scientists have been researching how one's genes can affect how a  positive effect a placebo will have. Studies suggest that better knowledge of this area could make for more effective treatments.The effectiveness lies in genetic signatures and the likelihood to have a beneficial response. Studies have found that when presented positively, the placebo has a beneficial response, even when people know that the drug is a placebo. Even when the drug is real, the effect is more positive when the patient knows their taken it. ___

The key area of research seems to be important is the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in both pleasure and movement. The way that each person's brain interacts with neurotransmitters determines how they perceive sensations and symptoms. There are many variations within the genes that could play a factor in the effectiveness of the placebo effect.

The ethical questions lies in whether mapping this area of research would make drug research more effective. Is it ethical to give a patient with a stronger placebo effect a lesser dose compared with someone who does not? Could placebos boost the effectiveness of drugs? These questions are all being researched more and are being integrated into modern medicine.

Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/health/topics/HealthDay698336_20150413_Genes_May_Make__Placebo_Effect__Stronger_for_Some__Study_Says.html

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