The placebogenic phenomenon: art in psychiatric nursing

1. Nearly half of all orders for psychotropic medications are written "as needed" (PRN); therefore, the nurse must assume a vital function in the assessment, use, and evaluation of medication. 2. Placebo agents are known to have an effectiveness rate between 30% and 50%. Nurses and other health professionals severely underestimate the magnitude of this effect. 3. The patient's perception of the medication experience, beliefs, degree of trust, expectation, and the psychosocial context in which medications are used, contribute to agent effectiveness. 4. The nurse's personal beliefs, nonverbal cues, anticipation, and interpersonal style can influence effectiveness of agents in relieving symptoms; likewise, by understanding and increasing various interpersonal skills, professionals can enhance effectiveness of psychotropic agents.