Nondeceptive Placebos May Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Depression

A placebo is a fake or inert treatment administered to participants in scientific studies. From past studies, we've seen that a placebo may improve a patient's health, provided they think they are receiving the correct treatment.

Some researchers have put the placebo effect down to one’s belief and perception. In a recent study, we saw that patients' positive beliefs can bolster their depression treatment outcomes. Hence, participants are never informed that what they're receiving is fake, to prevent their beliefs from influencing the results.

But in a more recent study, something profoundly shocking was discovered. In patients who knew they were receiving placebo pills, the placebos still effectively reduced anxiety, depression, and stress.

The patients weren't deceived. They knew they were receiving inert pills. Yet, their mental health symptoms went down. Outstanding.

The participants reported that the nondeceptive placebos were easy to use and suitable for them.

In the study, half of the participants were put in the nondeceptive placebo group, while the other half didn't receive any treatment (serving as the control).

Within just two weeks, those in the nondeceptive placebo group showed a significant decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression compared to those who received no treatment.

Pretty impressive. What's more, the treatment was administered remotely.

“This minimal burden makes nondeceptive placebos an attractive intervention for those with significant stress, anxiety, and depression,” said Jason Moser, co-author of the study.

Could it be that the idea of knowing you're receiving treatment helps, even when you're aware it is fake? But this is against what we've always thought about placebos.

We cannot yet say why it happens. More research will definitely be required.

At any rate, these findings on remotely administered nondeceptive placebos may be helpful to patients who do not have access to regular mental health care.

Need Help?

No, we’re not going to give you fake pills as this is not a scientific study.

If you’ve been battling with anxiety, depression, or stress, contact us at Hope Mental Health today. Through medication and psychotherapy, we’ll provide you with the help you need.

Author

Satu H. Woodland, PMHCNS-BC, APRN Satu Woodland is owner and clinician of Hope Mental Health, an integrative mental health practice located at Bown Crossing in Boise, Idaho. She sees children, adolescents, and adults.  Ms. Woodland with her background in nursing, prefers a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care that addresses the mind and body together. While Ms. Woodland provides medication management services in all her patients, she believes in long-lasting solutions that include a number of psychotherapies, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, attention to lifestyle, evidenced based alternative psychiatric care and spirituality. If you’d like to gain control over your mental health issues, call Hope Mental Health at 208-918-0958, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an initial consultation.