@article{ref1,
title="The placebo effect on psychomotor performance and working memory capacity: randomized single blind cross-over trial",
journal="Annals of neurosciences",
year="2011",
author="Ashor, Ammar W.",
volume="18",
number="4",
pages="141-144",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Imaging studies show that placebo enhance release of dopamine in the mesolimbic and mesocortical tracts. Dopamine in these areas are involved in attention and working memory function. <br><br>PURPOSE: We wanted to investigating the effect of placebo on psychomotor function and working memory capacity. <br><br>METHOD: 31 medical students participated in this single blind, crossover trial. Choice reaction time, critical flicker fusion threshold, n-back working memory tasks measured before and after one hour of the students receiving placebo in three different occasions as stimulant, unknown, and inert substance. <br><br>RESULTS: Placebo, as stimulant, significantly enhanced choice reaction time and working memory function (P < 0.05) while showed no significant effect on critical flicker fusion threshold (P > 0.05). Placebo as unknown significantly deteriorates working memory capacity (P < 0.05). Placebo as inert substance shows no significant changes regarding choice reaction time, critical flicker fusion threshold, and working memory task. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Placebo, as stimulant enhanced attention and improved working memory capacity, while as unknown may deteriorate working memory function.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0972-7531",
doi="10.5214/ans.0972.7531.1118403",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.5214/ans.0972.7531.1118403"
}