It's questionable whether it's placebo, or whether the placebo intervention itself is a non-placebo intervention. To partake in a study you need to get out of

It's questionable whether it's placebo, or whether the placebo intervention itself is a non-placebo intervention. To partake in a study you need to get out of the house, go somewhere new, talk to new people a few times, do something new, get some daylight, etc. Those are all things we know has a positive effect on depression. Big part of treating depression is to make people do those sorts of things, despite their bodies and mind screaming stay in bed, it's not worth it.