Join us on a captivating voyage through the world of placebo effects.
The book "Placebo Effects Through the Lens of Translational Research" promises to be a comprehensive and insightful resource that will forever change the way we perceive the power of the mind in healthcare.
The book is divided into six captivating sections, each unveiling a piece of the intricate puzzle that is placebo research.
Section 1: Introduction
In this opening section, we delve into clinical practices that harness the power of the placebo effect for healing. We explore the concept of treatment expectations and how they shape not only placebo effects but also treatment outcomes in general. Furthermore, we take a fascinating journey through the influence of cultural beliefs and norms on our expectations related to medical treatments.
Section 2: Biomarkers and Precision Medicine
Our voyage continues as we investigate the predictive potential of genetics, brain characteristics, and language use in the realm of placebo effects. We discuss the genomic and pharmacological responses in various medical conditions and how a person's genetic makeup influences neurobiological regulation.
Section 3: Placebo Effects in Various Conditions
In this section, we explore the far-reaching impact of placebo effects in diverse conditions, including sleep, cough, immune responses, sports performance, migraine, and even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. We uncover the intriguing connections between sleep and the opioid system, and we shine a light on the substantial placebo effect in cough reduction and its implications for clinical trials.
Section 4: Placebo Effects in Mental Health
Our voyage takes a detour into the world of mental health, where we navigate the intricacies of placebo responses in the context of mental health therapeutics. We ponder the potential differences in efficacy between placebos and mental health medications and delve into the manipulation of expectancies for optimal clinical outcomes.
Section 5: Placebo Effects in Clinical Practice
As we journey through this section, we consider the biopsychological models of healing and the ethical dimensions of placebo effects. We address the need for research aimed at implementing placebo science in clinical practice for the benefit of patients. Additionally, we explore the impact of contextual factors and empathetic patient-doctor relationships on therapeutic outcomes.
Section 6: Patient-Oriented Approaches in Clinical Practice
Our final destination explores patient-oriented approaches in clinical practice, including the development of digital interventions for healthcare practitioners. We discuss the transformative impact of transparent communication between healthcare providers and patients, along with the emergence of digital therapeutics and their role in the future of healthcare. We even venture into the world of immersive virtual reality and its potential applications in medicine and education.
This groundbreaking book will be freely accessible through Oxford University Press.