I really was greatful for the recommendation. I'm still in the middle of the book and finding it very hard to keep in mind both what we know today and what we knew then. The list goes on. I've always thought the idea of placebos would be interesting to read up on but never followed through. I really think I want to learn more.
Cousins specifically talks about the ideal placebo that is completely harmless.
I do wonder if antidepressants sometimes get prescribed by doctors to patients who don't need them with the mistaken idea that they are that ideal harmless placebo. People have posted here that they were prescribed antidepressants for very minor reasons. I wonder too if I accidentally mislead my doctor. I rarely report side effects because I think it goes without saying that I experience more good than harm. Maybe it should be said.