Creating my own placebo?!
Question: Creating my own placebo?
My friend is ill, like quite badly. And the doctors don't know whats wrong with her.
If I got a useless tablet or a multivitamin or something and told her I found something that has just been discovered and that it WILL make her better, and maybe make something up like you must take it 2 hours after you wake up and not only take it 6 days a week. If I did this is there a chance the placebo effect would take place? making her better?
Tbh in my mind this seems a bit cruel and sneaky, but it can't do any harm right?
tahnks guys.
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Matt is right in what he says, while your placebo wont do any harm itself, if your friend does start to feel better (which is quite possible) it could deter her from continuing with her conventional investigations, sadly people have died of quite serious diseases because conventional treatment has been delayed because of placebos like homoeopathy and acupuncture, not to mention Chinese herbs etc.
As Ron has said, unfortunately placebos are not harmless. The placebo effect is also not predictable so you just can't induce it at will. Leave it to the doctors to keep on investigating.
It may do harm, especially if it replaces proper medicine. If placebos are to be used for serious illness then it should at least be under the care of proper doctors.
While your heart is in the right place, getting her hopes up if she has a serious disease is completely unethical. I wouldn't suggest lying to her.