5 ms·

Why are placebos becoming increasingly effective only in the US ? A couple of hypotheses were mentioned in the article. One is that only in USA and New Zealand

Why are placebos becoming increasingly effective only in the US ? A couple of hypotheses were mentioned in the article. One is that only in USA and New Zealand is direct-to-consumer drug advertising allowed. Another, which seems to have some supporting evidence, is that size and length of the drug trial may boost the placebo effect. The latter point is presumably about the production value of the trial, mandated by increasingly stringent FDA regulations. The apparent cost sells the apparent effectiveness. I wonder whether these results might be linked to USians sustained high level of religiosity, which is also unique in the developed world.

hugh4 11y ago
The worst part is that now the news is out that placebos are getting more powerful, people are expecting it. The effect will grow exponentially. Wait, I guess that's not really bad.
- jobigoud 11y ago
  At some point people will start to experience the negative side effects corresponding to the original drug, as advertised on the package. And then when the first suicide by placebo pills comes, we'll know we nailed it.
  - backlava 11y ago
    I personally only take placebos.
cristianpascu 11y ago
A friend of mine said that placebo is very effective in Romania (our country) too. I may mistake it, but she said that it can reach something like 70-80%. Maybe it's a developing countries problem. :)