The power of placebo

Abstract
Many non-specific concomitants of treatments help to determine the direction and size of the placebo effect. These can be placed on a continuum ranging from the tangible to the intangible.3 The form of medications, touch, words, gestures, and the ambience of the consultation can all play a part in conveying a doctor's confidence in a treatment, empathy with the patient, and professional status.4 5 6 Non-specific aspects of …