文档介绍：Clinical Problem Solving Strategies
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Placebo effects
Placebo is Latin for “I will please”
Refers to any type of treatment that is inert
Used in research trials to objectively test the efficacy of new treatments
One group is given the treatment, while another group (the control group) receives a placebo
Comparing the results from both groups should reveal the effects of the treatment
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Intervention
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Placebo American Heritage Dictionary
A substance containing no medication and prescribed or given to reinforce a patient's expectation to get well
An inactive substance or preparation used as a control in an experiment or test to determine the effectiveness of a medicinal drug
Something of no intrinsic remedial value that is used to appease or reassure another
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Placebo effects cont.
Interestingly, some people get better in the placebo group
This phenomenon is known as “the placebo effect”
The placebo effect is substantial
About one third of people taking placebos for a number plaints will experience relief
The underlying mechanisms remain a mystery
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Sham
The term “sham treatment” is often used instead of placebo
Definition:
Something false or empty that is purported to be genuine; a spurious imitation
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Placebo effects cont.
The placebo effect is triggered by the patient's belief in the treatment and their expectation of feeling better
If symptoms are relieved by taking an inert substance or undergoing a dummy procedure, was the original illness imaginary?
No
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Factors that influence the placebo effect
Characteristics of the placebo
If the pill (or treatment) looks genuine, the person taking it is more likely to believe that it contains active ingredients
Larger sized pills suggest a stronger dose than smaller pills, and taking two pills appears more potent than just one
Injections have a more powerful effect than pills
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Factors that influence cont.
Attitude of the patient
If the person expects the treatment to work, the chances of a plac