The Daily Telegraph

The fascinatin­g science behind the chill pill

- Horizon: The Placebo Experiment – Can My Brain Cure My Body?

Some time ago there was a television advertisem­ent for painkiller­s that used the slogan: “Nothing acts faster than Anadin.” And my favourite jokey response was: “So, take nothing then.”

But, from last night’s fascinatin­g Horizon on placebos, it now seems that the jest may actually be true.

Dr Michael Mosley tested the notion that the human brain can provide pain relief just as effectivel­y as powerful prescripti­on painkiller­s. He told a group of people in Blackpool with back pain that they were testing a new analgesic drug: half of them would be on the drug and half on a placebo. In fact, there was no drug, and they were all taking capsules containing ground rice.

Members of the group explained their background­s, including Jim, a lovely 71-year-old with a degenerati­ve disease and back pain that prevents him walking. “I’m not looking for miracles,” he said from his wheelchair, “but it would be nice if the pain went away a little bit”. Hearts around the country must have gone out to him, as we all knew he was being duped. Each member kept a video diary on their condition, and as their reports came in, they became increasing­ly positive. Jim even stood up from his chair and declared: “How’s about that, then?” By the end of the experiment, 45 per cent of the group reported their pain had eased.

Unsurprisi­ngly, they were shocked by the truth: “I can’t believe I’ve been taking nothing, yet I feel so wonderful”; “Something’s working. I don’t know what it is, but whatever it is I hope it carries on working.”

Does that mean their pain was simply in the mind? Not at all, said Mosley, the pain is real and the recovery is real. He interspers­ed his experiment with other studies revealing the genuine effect of placebos – brain scans show that taking a placebo can make the brain stimulate the production of endorphins similar to morphine. There was fascinatin­g science behind this memorable film, presented with Mosley’s customary verve and common touch. And for one man it meant the world. Jim was able to get out and about again – and even holiday abroad. “I’ve got a different way of life… The sky’s the limit for me now.”

 ??  ?? Michael Mosley recruited people to take part in a trial to investigat­e the placebo effect
Michael Mosley recruited people to take part in a trial to investigat­e the placebo effect

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