Posted by Carol on March 31, 1999, at 16:26:02
In reply to Re: Placebo effect in depression, posted by alan on March 29, 1999, at 2:11:52
> > > I am doing research for a seminar involving the placebo effect
> > > and the treatment of depression. Does anyone know of a well conducted
> > > clinical trial comparing either:
> > > placebo vs. patient interaction
> > > placebo vs. active medication
> > > or any combination of the sorts
> > >
Glenn,
I'm not up on the R&D aspect, but as a chemist, I was always VERY aware of the possible mood elevation as a placebo effect. I tend to be somewhat resistant to meds (is that because I won't allow a placebo effect?) so I always found that I was able to keep a positive attitude for my chances of having THIS med work for up to 2 weeks. After that, reality set in and I would just be waiting for the meds to kick in. I wouldn't say that the 2 weeks was a placebo, since I didn't feel any better--that was how long my initial surge of HOPE that it would work would last.
Good luck with your research
Carol
poster:Carol
thread:4017
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990301/msgs/4228.html