6 Wild Stories Of People’s Minds Messing With Their Bodies

6Americans Are More Susceptible To Pain Placebos

They say everything’s bigger in America. Guns, beers, trucks, and the placebo effect as well, according to a study of 84 clinical trials, spanning 23 years, from around the globe. Evidence of increased placebo response to antidepressant and antipsychotic medications inspired scientists to analyze whether the same held true for pain drugs. Jeffrey Mogil, head of McGill University’s pain-genetics lab, found that it does, but only in the United States. 

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Clinicians dub this “American exceptionalism.”

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No, real drugs haven’t gotten worse, as is apparent by the prevalence of opioid-addled soccer moms stumbling from minivans. But the efficacy of sham treatments rose precipitously in America over the past two decades: In 1996, a given drug produced 27% more pain relief than its fake counterpart. But by 2013, that figure fell to just 9%. And with less than a 10 percent difference, you’re better off browsing the bulk candy aisle next time you run out of Tylenol.

Ironically, this runaway placebo effect may be due to the increased sophistication of modern studies. Global trials haven’t increased as much in scope or size. But America’s “Go Big” attitude has produced larger, longer, more expensive, and elaborate clinical studies, which may increase participants’ expectations of a drug’s effectiveness. And some trials may offer friendlier, more attentive nurse care, which you might find lacking in smaller studies where you’re lucky to coax a smile from your nurse. Additionally, the constant bombardment of drug adverts on TV (illegal in most other places) may sway a populace that’s unable to resist a good commercial.

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“There’s a 50% chance you’re getting a pill you’re too poor to otherwise try. Uh, but manage your expectations!”