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In clinical trials, some patients receive an inactive treatment — a sugar pill or saline injection — without knowing it. Remarkably, many report feeling better. This is the placebo effect.
The effect is strongest for symptoms the brain helps regulate, such as pain, nausea and fatigue. Brain imaging studies show that expecting relief can trigger the release of the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals.
Context matters. Studies have found that more expensive-looking pills, injections rather than pills and warm, attentive doctors can all strengthen placebo responses. In some studies, patients improved even when told they were taking a placebo.
Because of the placebo effect, new drugs must outperform placebos in controlled trials to be approved. The effect also reminds doctors that how care is delivered can influence how patients heal.
Vocabulary: saline — determine its meaning from context: ________________
Worksheets › Grade 12 English › Craft & Structure › Craft & Structure
Free Grade 12 English worksheet (Common Core RI.11-12.4): analyze text structure, word meaning and author’s purpose in "The Placebo Effect". Skill: Word choice, structure and point of view. Level: Grade 12 — also suits Year 13 (UK).
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It is designed for Grade 12 (ages 17–18), but use it with any child who is ready.
Word choice, structure and point of view.
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