Nondeceptive Placebos Effectively Manage Stress, Study Finds

Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have found that non-deceptive placebos—placebos given to participants with complete disclosure—are an excellent way to treat depression, anxiety, and stress. These remote-administered placebos are not only a scalable option for mental health care, but they are also effective, according to a study published in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.

Study Design and Methodology

The research was carried out throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, a period of increased and extended stress for several people. The researchers gathered participants in a two-week randomized controlled study who were under a lot of stress because of the epidemic. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: either a non-deceptive placebo group or a control group that did not receive therapy.

The non-deceptive placebo group’s participants were fully aware of the placebo effect. They were sent instructions on how to take the placebo pills along with the pills themselves. Participants in the study engaged in four Zoom-facilitated virtual sessions, during which they conversed with a researcher and shared their experiences. 

Significant Reduction in Stress and Anxiety

The study’s findings were astounding. Participants in the non-deceptive placebo group reported considerably reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and sadness as compared to the control group. These changes were shown in as little as two weeks, demonstrating the efficacy and rapidity of non-deceptive placebos as an intervention.

“We’re excited to see that a low-effort intervention can still have a major positive impact,” says Jason Moser, an MSU psychology department professor and co-author of the study. “Long-term stress exposure may hinder a person’s ability to manage emotions and cause serious psychological issues long-term.”The study suggests that non-deceptive placebos may be a useful option for persons with mental health issues, particularly in situations where access to traditional treatments may be limited.

Remote Administration Increases Accessibility

The study’s potential for remotely administering non-deceptive placebos is among its most fascinating features. The researchers effectively carried out the trial remotely, had participants communicate with them online, and got their placebo tablets in the mail. The intervention’s scalability is significantly increased by this delivery approach, opening it out to a larger audience.

Co-author of the work Darwin Guevarra, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Francisco, said, “This ability to administer nondeceptive placebos remotely increases scalability potential dramatically.” “People with mental health issues who are unlikely to have access to traditional mental health services may benefit from remotely administered non-deceptive placebos.”

A Promising Avenue for Mental Health Treatment

The results of the study present a viable new treatment option for depression, anxiety, and stress. Participants reported that nondeceptive placebos are simple to use, burden-free, and suitable for a variety of circumstances. They may be an appealing choice for individuals and healthcare professionals due to their capacity to produce considerable improvements in mental health with little effort.

Conclusion

Nondeceptive placebos may offer a straightforward yet efficient remedy as the world struggles with the effects of extended stress on mental health. The MSU study is a major advancement in our knowledge of the moral and practical application of placebos in contemporary medicine, especially in the increasingly significant area of distant treatment choices.