Placebos Ease Stress, Anxiety, Depression—Even When Fully Acknowledged

A study from Michigan State University suggests that #non-deceptive placebos—placebos given to people who know they are placebos—can effectively #reduce stress, even when administered remotely. The study involved participants experiencing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in a two-week trial. Half of the participants were given non-deceptive placebos, while the other half received no treatment. The placebo group attended four online sessions where they were informed about the placebo effect and mailed placebo pills with instructions.

Results, published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, showed that participants taking the non-deceptive placebos had notable reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression after just two weeks. They also found the pills easy and appropriate to use.

Jason Moser, a professor at MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of simple interventions in managing prolonged stress. “Long-term stress can severely impact mental health, so it’s promising to see that something with minimal effort can deliver real benefits,” he said.

The researchers are optimistic about the potential to scale this approach through remote administration. Co-author Darwin Guevarra from the University of California, San Francisco, noted that the ability to deliver non-deceptive placebos remotely could make mental health support more accessible to those lacking traditional services.

This research opens doors to cost-effective, low-effort interventions for those dealing with significant stress and mental health challenges.

Reference:

Guevarra DA, Webster CT, Moros JN, Kross E, Moser JS. Remotely administered non-deceptive placebos reduce COVID-related stress, anxiety, and depression. Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2024 Aug 14. doi: 10.1111/aphw.12583. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39143695.

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