| Placebo effect | ‖n. (Med.) a reaction by a patient who receives a placebo{ 2 }, in which the symptoms of illness are lessened or an anticipated effect is experienced. Because the placebo{ 2 } itself has no pharmacological activity, this reaction is mediated by the expectations of the patient receiving the placebo{ 2 }; the reaction is considered as an example of the power of suggestion. Dramatic subjective effects such as relief of discomfort or pain are sometimes observed due to administration of a placebo, but in some cases measurable physiological effects may also be observed. [ PJC ] |
