The Focus on Neuroscience box, "The Mysterious Placebo Effect," described a research study that used fMRI scans to investigate the effectiveness of placebo pills in reducing the pain of tension headaches due to stress. The results showed that the placebo pills were actually more effective than an expensive prescription painkiller.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Placebo effects can indeed reduce the perception of pain due to the psychological belief in the treatment's efficacy, but it's not accurate to broadly claim they are more effective than prescription painkillers without specifying the context, study, or conditions. The effectiveness of placebos can vary widely and is influenced by many factors, including the nature of the condition being treated and the individual's expectations.

The Focus on Neuroscience Box, "The Mysterious Placebo Effect," Described