Coffee can make you alert. Coke can make you alert. It is because of one of their ingredients, caffeine. This is a proved fact and everyone knows that. “Wear this boots, you can run faster.” “Drink this, you can work better.” These statements are not yet proved but many people firmly believe that. The reason behind is placebo effect.
Performance Enhancement Ingredient?
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| Photo: Stephanie Szeto |
Dylan gave a clear explanation for placebo effect - the therapeutical and healing effects of inert medicines and/or ritualistic or faith healing manipulations. It was firstly applied in medical area but later on it was widespread to other aspects. For example in psychological treatment, Khan found that around 75% of the patients with depression had their conditions improved more likely resulted from the placebo effect than the treatment itself. In sports area, French cyclist Richard Virenque was told by his nutritionist that he would be injected a stimulant before the Tour de France. Finally Richard won the first running-up while Vogt confessed that the stimulant was only a small amount of glucose.
However, there may be chances for an opposite effect to occur, which is the nocebo effect. The nocebo effect comes from the disbelieving or distrust of the patients in the treatment that they are receiving. Finally their symptoms or conditions will be worsened due to their thinking of having no ability to get well.
As the exam period is approaching, I am glad to provide you a drink with my secret ingredient. Drink it without hesitation; it can enhance the processing ability of your brain!
Anthony Chan
References:
Dylan, E. (2003). Placebo. Mind over matter in modern medicine., Great Britain: Harper Collins Publishers.
Khan A, Warner HA, and Brown WA. (2000). Symptom reduction and suicide risk in patients treated with placebo in antidepressant clinical trials: an analysis of the Food and Drug Administration database. Arch Gen Psychiatry 57:311-317
Vogt, W. (1999). Breaking the chain: Drugs and cycling, The true story (trans. William Fotheringham). London: Random House/Yellow Jersey Press.
Dylan, E. (2003). Placebo. Mind over matter in modern medicine., Great Britain: Harper Collins Publishers.
Khan A, Warner HA, and Brown WA. (2000). Symptom reduction and suicide risk in patients treated with placebo in antidepressant clinical trials: an analysis of the Food and Drug Administration database. Arch Gen Psychiatry 57:311-317
Vogt, W. (1999). Breaking the chain: Drugs and cycling, The true story (trans. William Fotheringham). London: Random House/Yellow Jersey Press.
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