Any idea what placebo is?

[maetreece]

Hi guys. I am a 16-year old student and one of my homeworks in science class is placebo effect. Can anyone tell me what it means please? I have been searching about it in the net and there are so many things that came out. I don’t know what it really means now. I would really appreciate your answers. Thank you so much.

[mortxpchler]

If there aren’t actual effects on these drugs, shouldn’t they be called fraud or scams? Shouldn’t the distributors be jailed for that?

[beatabernas]

I heard from somewhere that WHO and DFA have already set up laws regarding CAM and Supplements. There are standards and rigorous process before they can be registered as safe and effective drugs that the consumers can use with peace of mind.

[napoleonpabon]

It can also help when the parents convinces their child that they can be cured when they are thinking that it actually could. The children are inclined to listen to their parents and consider their words as the truth so they also believe it.

[skinh589]

Let me clear this for you, ma’am. We have made a study of this before and as far as I know, homeopathic teething tablets can actually make babies stop crying, but it is because they're made of lactose and sucrose (milk and sugar), not because of the homeopathic water.

[clevelanddjone]

The conclusion on the arguments of placebo effect is vague. That is why I do not blame the one who started this thread if he is confused on what is being written. There is a lot of placebo effects definition anywhere.

[MargaretDalton]

The fact that the placebo effect is tied to expectations doesn't make it imaginary or fake. Some studies show that there are actual physical changes that occur with the placebo effect.

[montserratvlaicu]

“Hi guys. I am a 16-year old student and one of my homework’s in science class is placebo effect. Can anyone tell me what it means please? I have been searching about it in the net and there are so many things that came out. I don’t know what it really means now. I would really appreciate your answers. Thank you so much.”

- A placebo is anything that seems to be a "real" medical treatment -- but isn't. It could be a pill, a shot, or some other type of "fake" treatment. What all placebos have in common is that they do not contain an active substance meant to affect health. Hope this helps.

[beckagye]

Let me combine both topics in this forum. These dietary supplements are creating placebo effects to individuals using it since it promises specific effects as it claims.

[julianrochas]

Thank you for the warning. Will spread this to everyone.

[brumer08]

Hi, I am a medical practitioner for 5 years now. As a professional, I have heard alarming reports of supplements being used as supplement without any approved therapeutic claims. Please help me spread this in school, offices or in whatever community you are in: these supplements pose a threat in safety and health. Since there is no approved therapeutic claims and the producers waive any side effects that may occur any complaints that may emerge can also be shoved aside. Please do not patronize these kinds of supplements.

[n0ellebord]

Finding ways to distinguish between the placebo effect and the effect of treatment can improve and lower the cost of drug testing.

[shylarandall]

I would also ask the same question. As a parent, it is said that some homeopathic teething tablets can stop a baby from crying. I have tried this with my 7-month-old daughter and it actually works. Of course, she is still young enough to think that it will make her well but it did anyway. I also have doubts of the effects of the tablet but I tried it anyway with the approval of her pediatrician. How can this be explained?

[djorllic]

You should create a blog or campaign for this. Everyone should be aware.

[Renec1943]

I believe both effects are also garnered from supplements, right?

[amparorbeck]

Check out the Peterson Group’s website. They have a great article about placebo alone in there and it really helps you understand what it is, medical wise.

[flavioibarreta]

I understand these issues though, but does this also apply to babies? I mean, they are not aware of these facts, placebo or whatever and when their parents give them growth supplement, they actually get taller. How can these accounts be pure psychology itself?

[ambrebonfls]

Experiments are being made on the extent of placebo to individuals of every age. It works highly with people who are most gullible.

[Andesch72]

Alternative and Contemporary Medicines or what is called CAM and supplementary medicines are greatly patronized here in Jakarta, Indonesia. Stalls are being rented in malls just for these unauthorized medicines and drugs alone.

[reneedavide]

There is a website that I just found, The Peterson Group which lays information regarding Alternative and Contemporary Medicines as well as Supplements and helps you judge the drugs for yourself. Since there is no claim if the effects are good or bad, they just give awareness on the issues, facts and information it brings

[aryananash]

How can we possibly tell if it is actually a good drug then? Or if it is indeed effective?

[nemesiollecha]

There are actually a lot of studies that shows that if individuals are really thinking about getting dizzy or being drowsy, it is likely to happen. This is also the same for people who take supplements. If people believe that they are to increase in height since they are taking growth supplements, they are likely to grow an inch or two.

[ramonkedwards]

Placebo makes you think that you are healed even when you are not. Some psychologist and doctors even think this as a good chance to think positively.

[yatesrachel]

No approved therapeutic claims are sometimes misleading. These growth or dietary supplements have negative side effects that may cause harm to those using it.

[venusl0m0]

If patients on the new drug fare significantly better than those taking placebo, the study helps support the conclusion that the medicine is effective.