Psychobabble Prevents Community Wellness

Compared to placebo, the "nocebo" effect remains vastly understudied.  A PubMed database search will turn up more than 163,000 publications on “placebo” and fewer than 200 on “nocebo.” 
 
For good reason the nocebo effect is difficult to study. Few researchers are ethically allowed to induce pain on their subjects. The result of this lack of rigorous investigation of the nocebo effect and it’s theory, is that it can only be advanced as a theory.  The lack of Proof and predictability prevents accurate diagnosis.  Yet, invoking it's plausibility has had widespread implications upon those caused actual physical maladies.  This 'scape-goat' alibi is often pressed upon those who's complaints would impede an industry or government from moving an agenda item forward.       

Many have played the “nocebo” card in it’s effect regarding wind turbine health impact, Friends of Falmouth Wind for example.  Unfortunately, in the process, they do a grave disservice to the further promotion of safe and successful wind energy solutions.   

The exacerbated fears, thought to belong to residents close to Falmouth’s wind turbines, have spread to the community at large.  Fears are not the result of a psychosomatic reaction.  Rather, the community's fear for it's wellness is linked to exacerbating pre-existing expectations of deceit and mistrust of those willing to sacrifice neighbor for money.