Abstract
Assumptions underlying placebo controlled trials include that the placebo effect impacts on all study arms
equally, and that treatment effects are additional to the placebo effect. However, these assumptions have recently been
challenged, and different mechanisms may potentially be operating in the placebo and treatment arms. The objective of
the current study was to explore the nature of placebo versus pharmacological effects by comparing predictors of the
placebo response with predictors of the treatment response in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of a
phytotherapeutic combination for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. A substantial placebo response was observed
but no significant difference in efficacy between the two arms.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1 - 7 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | BMC Medicine |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 41 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |