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[Roaming through methodology. XVII. The placebo effect].

A J de Craen1

  • 1Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Klinische Epidemiologie, Leiden.

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|March 9, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Misconceptions about the placebo effect are common, often stemming from outdated research. The actual quantity and quality of data supporting the placebo effect are limited, despite widespread belief.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Research Methodology
  • Clinical Trial Analysis
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

  • The placebo effect is widely recognized but frequently misunderstood.
  • Common misconceptions include a specific patient response rate and confusion with placebo arm effects.
  • Belief in the placebo effect is substantial, yet empirical data is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify common misconceptions surrounding the placebo effect.
  • To evaluate the quality and quantity of evidence supporting the placebo effect.
  • To address the challenges in researching the placebo effect.

Main Methods:

  • Critical review of historical placebo research, particularly from the 1950s.
  • Analysis of the distinction between placebo effect and placebo arm response in clinical trials.
  • Assessment of methodological difficulties and funding challenges in placebo research.

Main Results:

  • A prevalent misconception suggests one-third of patients respond to placebos, likely due to flawed early studies.
  • The effect observed in the placebo group of a trial is often incorrectly equated with the true placebo effect.
  • Despite significant belief, robust scientific data substantiating the placebo effect is scarce.

Conclusions:

  • The widespread belief in the placebo effect is not adequately supported by high-quality scientific evidence.
  • Methodological challenges, funding issues, and perceived lack of reward hinder rigorous investigation.
  • Further high-quality research is needed to accurately understand and quantify the placebo effect.

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