Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Kennedy, Ashley Graham

Abstract

This thesis examines placebos and their potential for use in clinical settings. I begin by defining “placebo” and “placebo effect” in various contexts, including associated biochemical mechanisms. I then discuss how expectation, conditioning, and patient-physician interactions influence the magnitude of the placebo effect on patients. My research delves into the difficulty of defining and measuring the placebo effect given its subjective nature, and supports the harnessing of this effect as a viable treatment option for certain conditions, including but not limited to depression and pain management. Finally, I address the accompanying ethical concerns of placebo use in clinical practice in addition to potential difficulties with and hindrances to implementation. The ultimate goal of this thesis is to provide a guide for the successful use of placebos in clinical practice, taking into consideration both evidence-based and ethical factors.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

41 p.

Identifier

FA00012629

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