The following is an interesting piece that aired on 60 minutes. It talks about the phenomenon of the placebo effect regarding anti-depressants, stating that medications are best served by the severely depressed rather than those with milder forms. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-57380908-10391709/how-the-powerful-placebo-effect-works/ It raises some interesting questions, with a few listed below:
- How do we distinguish those who need the medication from those who could be better served by a placebo?
- Is it ethical to prescribe medication that causes side effects when a sugar pill would have the same benefits but no drawbacks?
- If they are suggesting that we have more capacity to improve mood with our minds, what is going on that we feel such a need for the medical “cure”?
- What is ethical? Harvard researcher, Irving Kirsch, stated that the phenomenon is more effective the more invasive, and more expensive it is. He even mentioned placebo surgeries! Is there no other way to help these people accept that they are o.k. without such drastic measures?
- What is the role of the drug companies and the FDA?
I post this with a word of caution. Please DO NOT stop taking your medication in response to this. This is being shared in the hopes of promoting conversation. Any medicinal changes you choose to make should be done in collaboration with your prescribing doctor. Meanwhile, I look forward to hearing any reactions to this piece and creating a discussion that will help the community be better informed.