farmdoc's blog post number 125

If you offered me a free, no strings attached lottery ticket with a 30% chance of winning, would I accept the offer? You betcha. And if you had a medical problem and I offered you a risk-free treatment with a 30% chance of substantial improvement, would you accept my offer? I reckon you would. In medicine, every treatment has potential downsides – e.g. postoperative complications, medication side-effects. Their frequency, varying between often and rare, is always finite. However a placebo is not only totally safe, it’s beneficial for 30% of people. Though placebos should, and would, not be used in life-threatening situations, they can reduce cancer symptoms. I’ve previously mentioned evidence-based medicine, i.e. medical treatment proven effective by controlled experiments. But effective treatment is frequently risky, so why not try a placebo first. If it works, then good; and if not then the proven but risky treatment can be used. For many medical conditions, all that’s needed is watchful expectancy whilst Mother Nature and Father Time do their job. When it’s difficult for treaters to advise no treatment and for patients not to require any, it’s a good time for a placebo. Finally, whilst placebos are totally safe, fascinatingly placebo tablet takers report side-effects – which demonstrates the mind’s power. The human body continues to amaze me. Anyway, enough; I’m off to get my free lottery ticket.