Placebo effect – more than just imagination?

Have you ever had a Neocitran hot drink when you had a bad cold and then been able to sleep like a baby with a clear nose? Et voilà - there you have it, the amazing phenomenon of the placebo effect.

Author: S. Schneeberger

Reading time: 3 min

What is the placebo effect?

The placebo effect describes an effect triggered by the patient's mere expectation – without any pharmacologically active ingredient. A classic example: a patient takes a drug without any active ingredient and still feels better. But here's an important point: without the drug, there is no placebo. Belief in an effective treatment activates complex physiological processes in the body that can lead to a noticeable improvement in symptoms.

How does the placebo effect work?

The placebo effect is based on the interaction between mind and body. When we believe that a drug is effective, our brain influences the body by releasing neurotransmitters such as endorphins. These substances produced by the body have pain-relieving and mood-lifting properties. They can not only reduce pain, but also increase general well-being. This interaction between mental expectation and physiological response shows how closely our thoughts are linked to our health.

Latest studies and Neocitran

Recent scientific studies have shown that Neocitran has little proven therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of cold symptoms. Nevertheless, many patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms – a phenomenon that may be due to the placebo effect. Belief in the effectiveness of a medication can influence physiological processes in the body to such an extent that symptoms are alleviated, even if the active ingredient does not actually have the desired effect. This observation demonstrates how strongly psychological factors can influence the perception of symptoms and physical healing.

Positive thinking promotes good health

A positive attitude plays a crucial role in the healing process. Confidence in the treatment and hope for recovery can actively support the healing process. Studies have shown that optimism and a sense of control over one's own health can strengthen the immune system and improve the response to treatment. This psychological component is crucial because it mobilises the body's own healing mechanisms, thereby accelerating the healing process.

The package insert and the nocebo effect

In addition to the placebo effect, there is also the so-called nocebo effect, in which negative expectations worsen the state of health. If patients fear experiencing side effects even though the medication does not cause them, they may actually develop these symptoms due to their fears. A typical example of this is reading the package insert. Often, the possible side effects listed there are so prominent that they negatively influence expectations and cause symptoms that are not actually caused by the medication.

Our recommendation: ask the pharmacy staff

To avoid unnecessary fears and the nocebo effect, we recommend talking to our pharmacy staff instead of relying on the package insert. Our staff are highly trained to explain exactly how your medication works and what you should bear in mind when taking it. This ensures that your expectations of the treatment remain positive and realistic, which in turn supports the healing process.

Conclusion

• The placebo effect impressively demonstrates how strongly our thoughts and expectations can influence the effect of medication.
• Belief in the effectiveness of a treatment activates physiological processes that can support the healing process – sometimes even without an active ingredient.
• A positive attitude and confidence in the therapy can promote the healing process.
• Negative expectations can trigger the nocebo effect and exacerbate the perception of symptoms.

For expert advice and to avoid anxiety, ask the pharmacy staff! We will help you find the best attitude for a speedy recovery.