News Health & Medicine

Genes may influence placebo effect

Response to sham treatment depends on certain DNA details, analysis suggests

sugar pills

REAL EFFECTS  Tweaks to certain genes may make some people more likely to experience the placebo effect, a new study finds.

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By Ashley Yeager

- More than 2 years ago

People who get a feel-good boost from sham medical treatments may have their genes to thank. 

Researchers reviewing studies of individuals’ genetics and placebos have identified 11 genes that appear to play a role in people’s response to the sham treatments.