J Neurosci November 2005 PMID 16280578

Neurobiological mechanisms of the placebo effect.

Fabrizio Benedetti, Helen S Mayberg, Tor D Wager, Christian S Stohler, Jon-Kar Zubieta

Mentions

77
Peak: 16 in Aug 2023
across 6 sources since Oct 2019

Extended reach

104,353
potential audience

Total likes

459

Video views

8,393

Mentions per month

Oct 2019 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter23 posts
  • Facebook20 posts
  • News15 articles
  • Blogs15 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone conveys a strong interest and agreement, especially through phrases like 'fascinating subject' and affirmations of the scientific truth behind the placebo effect, while references to neurochemical mechanisms and neurobiological papers highlight active and meaningful engagement. The tone is informative and supportive, emphasizing the significance of understanding these processes in both research and clinical contexts.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the validity and neurobiological basis of the placebo effect, with posts emphasizing scientific findings and consensus.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high curiosity, especially with phrases like 'fascinating subject' and references to scientific mechanisms, indicating strong engagement with the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several updates include clarifications about the nature of the placebo effect, referencing scientific articles and discussing its neurochemical foundations, demonstrating active participation.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions reflect a shared recognition that understanding the placebo effect has meaningful implications for clinical practice and neuroscience, though no posts suggest a groundbreaking shift.

Abstract in brief

  • The placebo effect is driven by neurobiological processes involving brain areas like the prefrontal cortex and reward circuits, which release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins.
  • Expectations and beliefs play a crucial role in activating these brain mechanisms, leading to real physiological and psychological changes.
  • Understanding these underlying brain processes can help improve clinical treatments by harnessing the power of the placebo effect to enhance healing.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr. Rachel Zoffness
@DrZoffness · X

The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids - resulting in placebo analgesia.

Aug 22, 2023 · 91 likes · 17 shares · 16,770 followers View post →
Caroline Bowen, Speech-Language Pathologist
@speechwoman · X

@JohnBaldLangLit @SaraJPeden @txchoices @PamelaSnow2 @rfarmer27 @Shawpsych @BeccaComiz @SchoolPsychLife @chimpsea @SchoolPsychMsB Benedetti, F., Mayberg, H. S., Wager, T. D., Stohler, C. S., & Zubieta, J. K. (2005). Neurobiological mechanisms of the placebo effect. The Journal of Neuroscience, 25(45), 10390-10402.

Sep 2, 2020 · 3 likes · 14,000 followers View post →
Pain Specialists Australia
@Pain_Spec_Aus · X

The placebo effect is when an inactive or inert substance has a beneficial effect when it shouldn't. Here's the long read on the neurobiological mechanisms of the placebo effect. It's a fascinating subject. Have a super weekend from #ourpainworld https://t.co/J3OhN1zvGh https://t.co/abJnWnPoRs

Nov 14, 2019 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,093 followers View post →
Ash Paul
@pash22 · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 32,308 followers View post →
Craig Liebenson
@CraigLiebenson · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 24, 2023 · 17 shares · 8,189 followers View post →
Skeptic Physio |
@salwaPT · X

RT @edwinderaaij: @AdamMeakins Placebo isn’t a therapeutic modality, it’s an effect considered to be associated with several psychobiologi…

May 10, 2021 · 1 share · 5,574 followers View post →

All mentions

Jeanninepowers
@Jeannin55385803 · X

@bane_baldy Placebo effect is neurochemical. Why ignore the SCIENCE? https://t.co/EZu4BN1TTk

Nov 19, 2025 · 357 followers View post →
DrYohannesውብሸት
@Yohannes_WW · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 29, 2023 · 17 shares · 665 followers View post →
Neha Santucci MD
@NehaSantucciMD · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 25, 2023 · 17 shares · 736 followers View post →
BrandlertheBMMD
@JBrandlerMD · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 25, 2023 · 17 shares · 915 followers View post →
Ajay Manhapra
@AjayManhapra · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 24, 2023 · 17 shares · 1,013 followers View post →
Iceberg SelfHelp
@IcebergED · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 24, 2023 · 17 shares · 1,086 followers View post →
Craig Liebenson
@CraigLiebenson · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 24, 2023 · 17 shares · 8,189 followers View post →
⭐️Megan E. Riehl, PsyD⭐️
@DrRiehl · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 2,747 followers View post →
priya joseph
@ayirpelle · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 4,978 followers View post →
Ash Paul
@pash22 · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 32,308 followers View post →
Mark hughes
@Physiomark2 · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 137 followers View post →
Marie Campion
@marie_at_marino · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 1,176 followers View post →
ME/CFS Research
@cfs_research · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 1,206 followers View post →
Movement PT
@MovementPTED · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 645 followers View post →
Mac
@machall2110 · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 23, 2023 · 17 shares · 223 followers View post →
LANLO Olivier
@LanloOlivier · X

RT @DrZoffness: The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids -…

Aug 22, 2023 · 17 shares · 329 followers View post →
Dr. Rachel Zoffness
@DrZoffness · X

The "placebo effect" is REAL. Scientists report that when we *expect* pain relief, our brain releases endogenous opioids - resulting in placebo analgesia.

Aug 22, 2023 · 91 likes · 17 shares · 16,770 followers View post →
ACB
@ACBPhysio · X

Interessant! #fysiotherapie #wetenschap #placebo #manueletherapie #communication https://t.co/dFDmU824v5 https://t.co/BWWqPcuqXN https://t.co/sS849k25lA https://t.co/7MBfN9pgcY

Jun 10, 2021 · 224 followers View post →
Skeptic Physio |
@salwaPT · X

RT @edwinderaaij: @AdamMeakins Placebo isn’t a therapeutic modality, it’s an effect considered to be associated with several psychobiologi…

May 10, 2021 · 1 share · 5,574 followers View post →
Edwin de Raaij
@edwinderaaij · X

@AdamMeakins Placebo isn’t a therapeutic modality, it’s an effect considered to be associated with several psychobiological phenomena. https://t.co/fbNP9DdCur

May 10, 2021 · 1 share · 1,016 followers View post →
Caroline Bowen, Speech-Language Pathologist
@speechwoman · X

@JohnBaldLangLit @SaraJPeden @txchoices @PamelaSnow2 @rfarmer27 @Shawpsych @BeccaComiz @SchoolPsychLife @chimpsea @SchoolPsychMsB Benedetti, F., Mayberg, H. S., Wager, T. D., Stohler, C. S., & Zubieta, J. K. (2005). Neurobiological mechanisms of the placebo effect. The Journal of Neuroscience, 25(45), 10390-10402.

Sep 2, 2020 · 3 likes · 14,000 followers View post →
Pain Specialists Australia
@Pain_Spec_Aus · X

The placebo effect is when an inactive or inert substance has a beneficial effect when it shouldn't. Here's the long read on the neurobiological mechanisms of the placebo effect. It's a fascinating subject. Have a super weekend from #ourpainworld https://t.co/J3OhN1zvGh https://t.co/abJnWnPoRs

Nov 14, 2019 · 3 likes · 1 share · 1,093 followers View post →
Arthur Wise
@WiseAwise6711 · X

RT @nikegal7: @karendgibbs @DShadowgazer https://t.co/YtSSI6HH4g

Oct 14, 2019 · 1 share · 22 followers View post →