New Research on the Placebo Effect

Really interesting to see this research on the placebo effect recently published in Science News. Here's the part I found most intriguing:

"Of the 43 patients in the placebo group, 24 reported a reduction in the intensity of their pain, averaging about a 20 percent drop. This pain relief persisted during the six-week period, even when people weren’t taking pills. The decrease in pain was as much as 33 percent during treatment weeks.

By analyzing the brain images, the team found that these patients, compared with people who weren’t susceptible to the placebo, had a difference in volume between the right and left sides of the limbic system in the brain, which is involved in instinct and mood. There were also differences in the number of nerve cell connections between the prefrontal cortex and other brain areas. Personality questionnaires revealed that these people had a higher self-awareness and openness than nonresponders."

We know it is possible to 'rewire our brains' (neuroplasticity). Is it possible the brain differences are actually driven by personality differences?