Researchers: Placebos reduce depression and stress

Psychology researchers from Michigan State University have revealed promising results regarding the effect of non-deceptive placebo treatments, which are given to patients knowing that they are not real.

They explained that these treatments can effectively reduce stress, anxiety and depression, even when prescribed to people remotely, according to the results published Friday in the journal "Applied Psychology, Health and Well-Being."

Placebos are substances or pills given to patients that do not contain any active ingredients, but are used for experimental purposes, or as part of a psychological treatment.

It is believed that its effect depends on the strength of suggestion, and the person’s belief that it can improve his condition, which is known as the “placebo” effect.

In some cases, even if patients know these treatments are not real, they can help relieve symptoms such as stress, anxiety and depression, according to the study.

As part of the experiment, researchers identified a group of people who suffer from long-term stress resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, to participate in a two-week experiment.

Participants were divided into two groups: half received a placebo, while the other half did not receive any treatment. The experiment was conducted remotely over four virtual sessions using Zoom.

The first group received information about the placebo effect, as well as dummy pills sent to them in the mail, with instructions on how to use them.

The results showed that the group who received the non-deceptive placebo experienced a significant reduction in levels of stress, anxiety and depression within just two weeks, compared to the other group that did not receive any treatment.

Participants reported that using the placebos was easy, not stressful, and appropriate for the situation they were in. The researchers said that long-term exposure to stress can impair a person’s ability to manage their emotions and cause significant long-term mental health problems, so they were excited to see that an intervention that requires little effort could lead to significant benefits.

They added that the possibility of providing non-deceptive placebo treatments remotely greatly increases the chances of expanding their application, as they can help individuals who suffer from mental health problems, but cannot access traditional health services.

(The Middle East)