Within medical science and popular culture, the term placebo refers to a sham intervention that may produce an effect without a biologic rationale. This effect is rarely recognized as a legitimate response, and often downplayed. However, in Placebo: mind over matter in modern medicine, Dylan Evans generates a convincing hypothesis that the placebo produces a biologic effect through suppression of the inflammatory cycle.
Evans details placebo history and then evaluates the biology and psychology behind this mysterious therapeutic area. Written in a strikingly evidence-based fashion, Evans frequently refers to the strengths and limitations of cited research while objectively examining a plethora of publications.
The author states the case that placebos are not as innocuous as once thought. Rather, this otherwise inert intervention can produce both symptom relief and negative side-effects. Even more, there are other components of the placebo intervention, such as therapeutic interaction that may affect the degree of the response.
A minor criticism is the author’s choice of generalizing ‘alternative therapies.’ No distinctions are made between CAM professions when making claims of shamanism, ineffectiveness and outright fraud. This is inappropriate due to the heterogeneous nature of the subject matter. Also, this book is intended for a lay audience, making repetitive content dry for those with a background in basic science, such as health professionals.
Overall, this text is stimulating, providing food-for-thought regarding ethics, philosophy and clinical practice. I recommend Placebo to clinicians as it will surely change your opinion and experience of the placebo effect.