Placebo Effect between Mind and Brain

Placebo effect (PE) is a highly complex phenomenon related to the quality of care. Even though the impact of PE on clinical practice is often considered noteworthy and the literature on PE is quite extensive, many of its aspects remain undoubtedly problematic, namely: current theoretical definitions of PE in the literature are not universally accepted, an exhaustive knowledge of the psychological and neural mechanisms involved in PE is lacking, and the determinants of individual variability associated to PE are not fully acknowledged. In virtue of these challenging questions, an integrative and multidisciplinary perspective ranging from philosophy to neuroscience and encompassing cognitive, affective, epistemological and ethical facets of PE may shed new light on the intricacies of such a complex phenomenon.

Monodisciplinary approaches to PE have found several difficulties in providing a general picture on the multifaceted notion of PE. Indeed, we argue that a clear understanding of how patients experience PE requires an interdisciplinary approach aimed at revealing its humanistic and scientific facets and its clinical implications. For this reason, an integrated view between empirical research in psychology and neuroscience, and conceptual clarity and theoretical models of philosophy may foster a better analysis of the many dimensions of PE. This also means to investigate PE and consider its meaning between the philosophical notion of mind and the scientific and clinical dimension of brain studies. Furthermore, the doctor - patient relationship deserves some attention, as one of the main components of the psychological mechanism of PE. This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive view of the many facets of PE. Contributions on these topics are welcome.

A non-exclusive list of specific themes of interest include:
- Epistemology and PE
- Neurosciences and PE
- Ethics and PE
- Cognition and PE
- Affect and PE
- Emotion and PE
- Philosophy of Medicine and PE
- Philosophy of Science and PE
- Logic and PE
- Health Care and PE

We welcome authors to submit the following article types: Original Research, Systematic Review, Review, Mini Review, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Conceptual Analysis, Opinion.

Keywords: Placebo, Placebo Effect, Philosophy, Brain, Neuropsychology, Neurosciences, Emotions, Ethics, Health Care

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.