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The placebo response stems from neurochemical changes — it is not simply the result of an individual's “imagination.” However, some people are more likely than others to experience placebo responses.
An international team randomized 104 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) into one of three groups: sham acupuncture plus interaction with a supportive, encouraging health professional (augmented-placebo); sham acupuncture alone (limited-placebo); or no sham acupuncture or other treatment (waitlist). Relief of IBS symptoms, as defined by responses on a validated scale, was greatest in the augmented-placebo group, intermediate in the limited-placebo group, and least in the waitlist group.
A common polymorphism increases the amount of dopam…