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.

Many people who suffer from excessive anxiety are also plagued by sleep disorders. But are sleep disorders sometimes also the cause of anxiety? If this is the case, effective sleep training should show a decrease in anxiety. In the video, we look at the results of large meta-analyses and influential studies. In addition, you will hear – derived from the research results – 6 tips for a healthy sleep.

Link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobilehealth.ncptsd.cbti

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Studies and books (just a small selection):

Amiri, S., Hasani, J., & Satkin, M. (2021). Effect of exercise training on improving sleep disturbances: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Sleep Medicine, 84, 205-218.

Benz, F., Knoop, T., Ballesio, A., Bacaro, V., Johann, A. F., Rücker, G., … & Baglioni, C. (2020). The efficacy of cognitive and behavior therapies for insomnia on daytime symptoms: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 80, 101873.

Dutcher, C. D., Dowd, S. M., Zalta, A. K., Taylor, D. J., Rosenfield, D., Perrone, A., … & Smits, J. A. (2021). Sleep quality and outcome of exposure therapy in adults with social anxiety disorder. Depression and anxiety, 38(11), 1182-1190.

Kleim, B., Wilhelm, F. H., Temp, L., Margraf, J., Wiederhold, B. K., & Rasch, B. (2014). Sleep enhances exposure therapy. Psychological medicine, 44(7), 1511-1519.

Lancee, J., van Straten, A., Morina, N., Kaldo, V., & Kamphuis, J. H. (2016). Guided online or face-to-face cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia: a randomized wait-list controlled trial. Sleep, 39(1), 183-191.

Maurer, L. F., Schneider, J., Miller, C. B., Espie, C. A., & Kyle, S. D. (2021). The clinical effects of sleep restriction therapy for insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep medicine reviews, 58, 101493.

Pace-Schott, E. F., Verga, P. W., Bennett, T. S., & Spencer, R. M. (2012). Sleep promotes consolidation and generalization of extinction learning in simulated exposure therapy for spider fear. Journal of psychiatric research, 46(8), 1036-1044.

Staines, A. C., Broomfield, N., Pass, L., Orchard, F., & Bridges, J. (2022). Do non‐pharmacological sleep interventions affect anxiety symptoms? A meta‐analysis. Journal of Sleep Research, 31(1), e13451.

Xie, Y., Liu, S., Chen, X. J., Yu, H. H., Yang, Y., & Wang, W. (2021). Effects of exercise on sleep quality and insomnia in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 676.