Is it possible to simulate the medical effect of pills by simply imagining taking one? A fascinating new study published in the journal Nature provides answers and could help to finally harness the placebo effect. However, the idea of an imaginary “hypnosis pill” is decades old and was developed in particular by Steve the Shazer – one of the most famous psychotherapists of all time. In the video, two of his most famous cases are presented.

Background:
Steve de Shazer was a renowned therapist who explored new ways to heal. In his pursuit of alternative treatments, he developed the idea of an imaginary hypnosis pill. He recognized that the placebo effect, in which people experience improvements because of their belief in the effects of a treatment, was a powerful force. Based on this concept, he created the idea of a pill that could relieve headaches and sleep problems, although it was purely imaginary.
Steve de Shazer began by educating his patients about the imaginary hypnosis pill and gaining their full confidence in its healing power. He explained to them that the pill contained special ingredients designed to relieve their symptoms. Through his empathetic communication and the creation of a trusting atmosphere, he was able to strengthen his patients’ faith in the pill’s effectiveness.
Amazingly, many of his patients actually reported a reduction in their headaches and an improvement in their sleep after sessions with the imaginary hypnosis pill. Steve believed that believing in the pill’s effects caused people’s subconscious minds to make positive changes in their bodies. It was a demonstration of the power of the imagination and the mind over the body.
body.
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Studies (small sample only):

Buergler, S., Sezer, D., Bagge, N., Kirsch, I., Locher, C., Carvalho, C., & Gaab, J. (2023). Imaginary pills and open-label placebos can reduce test anxiety by means of placebo mechanisms. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 2624.

de Shazer, S. (1984). The imaginary pill technique. Journal of Strategic and Systemic Therapies, 3(1), 30-34.

Hahn, A., Göhler, A. C., Hermann, C., & Winkler, A. (2022). Even when you know it is a placebo, you experience less sadness: First evidence from an experimental open-label placebo investigation. Journal of Affective Disorders, 304, 159-166.

Kaptchuk, T. J., & Miller, F. G. (2018). Open label placebo: can honestly prescribed placebos evoke meaningful therapeutic benefits?. Bmj, 363.

Can we simulate the medical effect of pills by just by imagining taking a pill? A fascinating new study published in Nature (Buergler et al., 2023) provides answers and could finally help us harness the placebo effect…

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Studies (small sample only):

Buergler, S., Sezer, D., Bagge, N., Kirsch, I., Locher, C., Carvalho, C., & Gaab, J. (2023). Imaginary pills and open-label placebos can reduce test anxiety by means of placebo mechanisms. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 2624.

de Shazer, S. (1984). The imaginary pill technique. Journal of Strategic and Systemic Therapies, 3(1), 30-34.

Hahn, A., Göhler, A. C., Hermann, C., & Winkler, A. (2022). Even when you know it is a placebo, you experience less sadness: First evidence from an experimental open-label placebo investigation. Journal of Affective Disorders, 304, 159-166.

Kaptchuk, T. J., & Miller, F. G. (2018). Open label placebo: can honestly prescribed placebos evoke meaningful therapeutic benefits?. Bmj, 363.

Klopfer, B. (1957). Psychological variables in human cancer. Journal of Projective Techniques, 21(4), 331-340.

Lembo, A., Kelley, J. M., Nee, J., Ballou, S., Iturrino, J., Cheng, V., … & Kaptchuk, T. J. (2021). Open-label placebo vs double-blind placebo for irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. Pain, 162(9), 2428-2435.

Leibowitz, K. A., Hardebeck, E. J., Goyer, J. P., & Crum, A. J. (2019). The role of patient beliefs in open-label placebo effects. Health Psychology, 38(7), 613.

Moseley, J. B., O’malley, K., Petersen, N. J., Menke, T. J., Brody, B. A., Kuykendall, D. H., … & Wray, N. P. (2002). A controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(2), 81-88.

Schaefer, M., Denke, C., Harke, R., Olk, N., Erkovan, M., & Enge, S. (2019). Open-label placebos reduce test anxiety and improve self-management skills: a randomized-controlled trial. Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-6.

Schaefer, M., Sahin, T., & Berstecher, B. (2018). Why do open-label placebos work? A randomized controlled trial of an open-label placebo induction with and without extended information about the placebo effect in allergic rhinitis. PloS one, 13(3), e0192758.

von Wernsdorff, M., Loef, M., Tuschen-Caffier, B., & Schmidt, S. (2021). Effects of open-label placebos in clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1-14.