The power of the placebo.

In this programme, scientists evaluate the effectiveness and validity of the placebo via a variety of experiments. The placebo is a dummy pill that contains no active ingredients to heal or treat the body, yet over the years and in multiple studies has shown significant improvements in cases of depression, pain relief, insomnia, IBS and extreme cases of Parkinson’s. Firstly, Dr Chris Beedie performs an experiment on highly trained cyclists to see the effects of a Placebo performance enhancer filled with corn flour on the speed rate of the participating athletes. He explores the reasons why the placebo is significantly effective in comparison to the real drug. Secondly, Dr David Kallmes conducts an experiment to examine the results of a placebo operation in comparison to vertebroplasty. He considers the difference in pain relief and functionality of the patient post treatment. Thirdly, Professor Fabrizio Benedetti conducts research on the function of ‘real’ oxygen compared with placebo oxygen (air) on the body in a low oxygen and high altitude environment. He considers the physiological and neurological change that takes place inside the body and brain. Next, Dr Tor Wager performs this experiment using heat to monitor the effects of a placebo on pain endurance. He compares brain activity under the influence of anaesthetic and then the placebo. Next, Professor Jon Stoessl looks at the effect of a placebo dopamine pill on patients with Parkinson's disease. He considers the link between mind and body, including the effect of emotions such as fear and pain that can trigger chemical changes in the brain to cause a change in its neurology. The last experiment performed by Professor Ted Kaptchuk centres on the placebo effect on informed IBS diagnosed patients of the chemical ineffectiveness of the pill. He considers the code of ethics regarding the deceptive nature of using a placebo and identifies other ways to increase the effectiveness of the placebo on pre-informed patients. This documentary covers the wide spectrum of issues surrounding the placebo in its early stage of development.