placebo effect Flashcards
(21 cards)
What does the term ‘placebo’ mean in Latin?
I will please.
How was the placebo effect traditionally viewed by physicians?
As a substance that was not appropriate but could improve patient status.
What type of event is the placebo effect considered to be?
A psychological and psychophysiological event.
What is the main component of the placebo effect?
The psychological factor.
What is one of the most significant actions of the placebo effect that interests the scientific community?
Pain relief.
What are typical substances referred to as ‘pure’ placebos?
- Sugar pill
- Saline solution
What limitations are associated with the placebo effect?
It only solves relatively superficial symptoms and does not completely cure underlying diseases.
What are some of the main psychophysiological results of the placebo effect?
- Hope
- Expectations
- Anxiety reduction
- Encouragement
- Good analgesic outcome
- Somatic-related effects
What factors influence the effectiveness of placebo administration?
- The disease
- The patient’s personality
- The physician’s skills and expectations
What percentage of attending physicians in a USA teaching hospital admitted to using placebos?
80%
What percentage of family physicians in Denmark prescribed placebos in a year?
48%
What is one reason it has not been established whether CAM is effective?
Due to the influence of positive expectations from patients.
What is a potential ethical issue with physicians’ explanations about medications?
They may manipulate patients by not clearly explaining the medication’s effect.
Which organization has performed assessments of different therapeutic results in CAM modalities?
Cochrane Library group.
What is homeopathy often criticized for in scientific assessments?
Its use of minimal doses for severe conditions.
What is a key ethical concern regarding placebo use in randomized clinical trials?
Inappropriate actions in clinical practice.
When did the use of placebo in clinical trials begin to show a marked increase?
After World War II.
What has commoditization in medicine led to?
Inappropriate commercial interests in pharmaceutical industries.
What is a growing demand in the field of medicine that poses ethical problems?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Fill in the blank: The placebo effect is described as _______.
[psychophysiological]
True or False: The placebo effect can completely cure underlying diseases.
False.
