A take-home placebo treatment can reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression in a non-patient population

作者：Darragh Margot; Yow Boris; Kieser Anel; Booth Roger J; Kydd Robert R; Consedine Nathan S

来源：Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2016, 50(9): 858-865.

DOI：10.1177/0004867415621390

• Anxiety
• depression
• placebo effect
• psychological stress

Background: With a healthcare system burdened by symptomatic and mental-health related conditions, the placebo effect may represent a useful clinical tool. First, however, there is a need to broaden research attention and investigate placebo effects outside laboratories and beyond experimental pain. This study investigated the effectiveness of a take-home placebo treatment in the short-term alleviation of stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression in a non-patient population.
Method: A sample of 77 participants was randomized to either the oxytocin' treatment group (n=22), the serotonin' treatment group (n=22) or the wait-list control group (n=33). The two treatment groups were given an anti-stress treatment spray' (placebo) to self-administer for 3 days, and completed online measures of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), anxiety (Cognitive Somatic Anxiety Questionnaire) and symptoms of depression (Centre for Epidemiological Studies - Depression) before and after the 3-day protocol.
Results: Both the serotonin' and oxytocin' treatment sprays were effective in reducing symptoms of depression; however, only those in the oxytocin' group reported less stress and anxiety as compared with controls. Overall, the oxytocin' was perceived as more effective.
Conclusion: Placebo effects can be translated to a real-life setting in the short-term reduction of stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression in a non-patient population. In treating psychological distress, placebos may be useful addition to the treatment repertoire. The information given with treatment may also be an important consideration for practitioners.

• 出版日期2016-9