A new study out studying the placebo effect in depression patients:
The number of patients entering the continuation phase and percentages relapsing during this phase were determined. Based on the total number of patients entering the continuation phase 79% of placebo responders remained well (did not meet relapse criteria) during this phase compared to 93% of antidepressant responders.
The Placebo effect has always been something that has interested me. The ability of suggestion to modify our experiences that much is striking. I don't believe these people are making up their depression symptoms in the first place and so if we acknowledge that, the only explanation is that it is our own minds and consciousness doing this to us, and that we have the ability to turn it on and off. That is a powerful statement.
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