Posted by Larry Hoover on August 12, 2003, at 8:35:06
In reply to Re: placebo and efficacy » Larry Hoover, posted by Dinah on August 11, 2003, at 8:46:28
> So perhaps instead of proving that placebos are almost as effective as AD's, they should use that as a jumping point to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy?
Our current regulatory system has evolved over time. One of the critical turning points arose following the thalidomide --> birth-defect disaster. The drug had been thoroughly tested in pregnant rats, by the way, but we're not rats.
The fact that we're recognizing that placebo responsivity is a problem in clinical trials may lead to changes in procedures. And, if I read your question correctly, it may well contribute to the acceptance of the power of manipulating cognitive factors in the pharmacological treatment of major depression. We've long known that therapy + drugs is more effective than either one alone. In essence, the placebo response in a clinical trial is significantly increased by factors which are really cognitive therapy, though given covertly.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:248910
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/250207.html