Swindon Festival Of Literature: Helen Pilcher

This Book May Cause Side Effects – with HELEN PILCHER

What do you know about the placebo’s evil twin, the nocebo effect? How much of wellness and illness is simply a matter of biology? What is the mind’s effect on illness and well-being?

Neuroscientist, contributor to BBC Wildlife, and prize-winning science author Helen Pilcher explores the hidden impact of the nocebo effect, on reasons for ailments and ageing, why people who don't have food allergies have dietary intolerances, and why adults and teenagers are equally susceptible to catching tics through social media. Her latest book explains what happens when illness, psychology, and society meet - and shows us what we can do to become less ill and more well.