How can we tell if a depression treatment works beyond placebo? A new real-world method measuring placebo shows that expectation matters, but cognitive change matters far more.

A new MRI study from University College of London indicates that the secret to happiness is low expectations. Author and neuroscientist Robb Rutledge says, “Happiness depends not on how well things ...

Expectations and hope can influence how people experience treatment. This is clearly seen in the placebo effect, where patients feel better without receiving active medication. The question is whether ...