New translational opportunities for placebo research

Abstract Despite a significant understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms implicated in placebo effects, research to date has yet to be translated into placebo-based clinical interventions. In this chapter, we review the current state of placebo research as the first step to justifying placebo-based clinical interventions. We provide evidence to demonstrate how placebo-based paradigms can be used to improve patient satisfaction (e.g., reduced side effects) and health outcomes. We argue that the first step toward this aim is to train clinical healthcare providers and the broader healthcare staff to deliberately and effectively leverage the psychological and social forces underlying the placebo effect to improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes. In particular, we review interventions focused on empowering patients to establish more adaptive mindsets as they progress through treatment. Ultimately, we aim to leverage new frontiers for placebo research that will significantly affect clinical practice.