1. The Placebo Effect

2. 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

3. Definition 1.A substance containing no medication and prescribed or given to reinforce a patient's expectation to get well 2.An inactive substance or preparation used as a control in an experiment or test to determine the effectiveness of a medicinal drug 3.Something of no intrinsic remedial value that is used to appease or reassure another

4. Do placebos work? Yes - some people get better in the placebo group This phenomenon is known as “the placebo effect” The underlying mechanisms are complex

5. What Percentage will be effected?

6. 30% or more on average The placebo effect is substantial About one third of people taking placebos for a number of complaints will experience relief. PLACEBOS WORK EVEN IF YOU KNOW YOU ARE TAKING A PLACEBO (Kaptchuk et al 2010) Results are so strong some have argued we should openly give placebos, because there are no side effects

7. Placebos are more effective if… 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

8. Why? Attitude of the patient If the person expects the treatment to work, the chances of a placebo effect are higher However, the placebo effect may still take place even if the person is skeptical of success The power of suggestion is probably at work here

9. Placebo Effect Mechanisms Self-limiting disorders Many conditions are self-limiting (e.g., common cold, some back or neck pain) They will resolve on their own with or without treatment Symptoms resolving is merely coincidence In Child Protection and Child Welfare – parent expectations also play a powerful role.

10. Placebos can take credit for… Remission The symptoms of some disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, may wax and wane A remission during a course of placebos may be coincidence, and not due to the placebos at all Changes in behavior The placebo may increase a person’s motivation to take better care of themselves, which may be responsible for the easing of their symptoms Altered perception The person’s interpretation of their symptoms may change with the expectation of feeling better. (e.g., a sharp pain being reinterpreted as an uncomfortable tingling)