Friday, 9 November 2012

Derren Brown and Placebo

Four participants think they are receiving a drug that eradicates fear, will the power of placebo prevail? Derren just pointed out 75% of anti-depressent success may be due to the placebo effect, the fact that we have the psychological power to treat our own conditions is just breath taking.
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7 comments:

  1. Anonymous13 November 2012 at 20:52

    I believe in the power of the mind to heal and also to improve your life. I liked the way derren said "they gave themselves permission to " I was prescribed anti depressants a few year's ago and they worked very well, I suspect this was partly due to me expecting to feel happier and less stressed and I allowed myself to shift to that state?

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    1. Ellie Hall14 November 2012 at 09:47

      I do believe part of your recovery from depression was due to the change in mental attitude that you believed was being caused by the anti-depressants. Who knows, maybe they do work? Some psychologists even believe that anti-depressents actually do nothing to treat those suffering from depression, that the power to improve is all in the mind and that the placebo effect is only helped by the idea of the drug working. I hope that you've fully recovered from your condition and now live a happy and fulfilled life!

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  2. Anonymous14 November 2012 at 14:58

    I wish :) , the placebo wore off and all my problems have been replaced with others, however maturity has taught me that the halycon era we seek doesnt exist so I'm happier through acceptance of reality , however placebo and the mind is incredible (my issues lie in 2 things, 1. Sentimentality 2. Being a romantic. ) and I suppose a third issue, the inability to let go of the things I love :( . I need more placebo pills .

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    1. Ellie Hall15 November 2012 at 13:49

      Have you ever thought of trying talking therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)? You could use this to change your whole outlook on life and help you work through any issues you may have. Benefits of this would be long lasting results instead of the temporary solution you get with drugs, look into it if this sounds like something for you.

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  3. Anonymous14 November 2012 at 15:10

    Another aspect of placebo, a number of years ago I was deeply upset and I prayed (I'm agnostic) however during crying and being a emotional wreck before I finished my prayer a wave of peace and love came over me? I'm not saying a god answered me but i believe once again my mind did the work . Throughout my life I've learned i am very impressionable and this is probably why placebo works so well with me because I want to believe. I'm 30 now and unfortunately skeptisism , pessimism and cynicism and a overall feeling of detatchment haunted by recurring feelings of beauty and love which I simultaneously try to accept and reject at the same time hold sway. On the surface I appear agreeable and calm but inside im fractured and as a self depricator I have to admit I enjoy the whole thing ???

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  4. Anonymous14 November 2012 at 15:13

    I understand your interested in psychiatry so its inevitable you will encounter many odd balls like myself , I think you will handle it all very well, good luck with your career and the future

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