RonM;611969 Wrote: > A related phenomenon from another realm might be helpful. Consider the > placebo effect. > > It is well-established that a real placebo effect exists. If people > believe that a treatment (drug, something else) has been administered, > they will on average report symptom alleviation above that reported by > people who do not believe they received any treatment. True efficacy > of the treatment can only be demonstrated if the treatment effect > exceeds that of the placebo effect. Double blind studies are one way > of dealing with the situation (everyone believes they are getting the > treatment). > > The question is, do the placebo-receivers actually get better faster > than the no-treatment people, or do they simply think they get better? > Interesting question. For the most part the placebo effect is most > obviously demonstrated in symptom alleviation, e.g. pain. In that > case, it could reasonably be said that the placebo had a "real" effect, > in that less pain was actually experienced. Even though no actual pain > reliever was administered. It's an entirely psychological effect, but > the people experience it as real. Who is to say that it's not a > worthwhile strategy? If you're out of pain meds, give a sugar pill to > the kid and maybe he or she will actually feel better. For fun, try making an appointment with your Dr and asking to be prescribed some placebo. Mind you it is also available under the alternative brand name "homeopathic remedy."
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