Dealing With Headaches

From the “Is Anyone Really Suprized? Department”:

A new study done by the National Institues of Health found that half of their doctors surveyed admitted to giving out placebos to their patients, telling them that they were getting medicine. The study was only done in America and most of the particpants were internists (doctors who specialize in treating the internal organs, including the brain) and rhuematologists (doctors who specilize in treating arthritis). Although this is a common practice in drug trials, it’s not supposed to be done outside of the drug testing environment.

What Did They Give Instead?

The placebos given were usually vitamin pills, although the NIH study notes that some drugs not related to the patient’s problem were also given out. These medicines included NSAID painkillers, antibiotics or even a sedative. Traditionally, placebos were sugar pills or even empty capsules. They were made by the doctor in desperation.

But the study shows that the doctors are actually writing prescriptions for medicines and vitamins. I guess they know that in order for the placebo effect to really kick in, a patient has to do the entire ritual.

But If It Works?

In the few days since the study was relased, there has been a lot of shocked statements and outrage in the media and on the blogosphere. The American Medical Association is condeming the act of giving out placebos, but that has been their position for ages. The AMA says a doctor can only give out placebos “with the full knowledge of the patient.” That sort of kills the whole point of a placebo, doesn’t it?

However, is it more ethical to not help you patient in any way possible or to let the carry on in misery? The placebo effect is a proven, powerful means to help allieviate pain for a few weeks at least. If you are a doctor desperate enough (and badgered by a patient who is desperate enough), do you really have much of a choice BUT to offer a placebo?

Perhaps the best thing these doctors taking the survey could have done was to lie on the surveys and keep their mouth shut. Why wreck a good thing?