Posted by zazenducke on March 25, 2012, at 19:31:39
In reply to Re: new pdoc says there 'are no answers' » zazenducke, posted by SLS on March 25, 2012, at 19:00:46
> > Scott how can you prove
>
> I didn't know I was supposed to prove anything.
>I certainly wasn't suggesting you were "supposed" to prove anything.
> > that the good feelings you are having now
>
> How kind of you to notice.I was very happy to see you reporting that you felt well. I've always tried to treat you kindly. I'm glad I succeeded.
>
> > are NOT a placebo effect?
>
> What's your opinion?I don't know. I don't think anyone really does. Because how can you really prove it with something like depression for which nobody even knows the cause? I know I feel way better not using aspartame and I have no way of knowing if that's a placebo effect but if it is I welcome it. I also know that every time I start it again I feel the same kind of better when I quit. Would I have the same reaction in a blind test? I don't know. Can I prove it helps the depressed feelings? No not anymore than I can prove the depressed feelings exist.
>
> > What would change for you if that could be proven?
>
> Nothing.Sometimes I get the idea that some people believe it somehow lessens the reality of their pain if it is relieved by a placebo. I think if I believed I was cured by a placebo I'd be fascinated and also hope that the placebo effect could be evoked with something that would cause the least harm to myself and to others who might be inclined to try it themselves because of my experience. I also think it would fascinate me on a psychological level-probably because I have had way too much therapy;)
poster:zazenducke
thread:1013788
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120316/msgs/1013975.html