Posted by benji on May 9, 2002, at 18:03:16
In reply to Re: placebos, posted by jonh kimble on May 9, 2002, at 16:05:18
> i wonder why placebos work? could it be that the exitment of thinking this pill will help may trigger some sort of dopamine boost, sending the mood back up. (just a guess, i dont have any medical backing here) however, after the excitment is gone, i would not be suprised if some of these cases go into remission, as was stated above.
>
> jonI wonder even more that anti-depressants don't work any better than placebos, which to me seems close to saying they could have, of themselves, no impact on depression (those changes in other areas of the brain could apparent on the irm imaging could just as soon be signs of a drug-induced dysfunctions a.k.a. side effects).
From personal experience, i never could perceive effects other than side effects (and serious dysfunctions) from these drugs. Looking back, i seem to remember that the further i trudged my way through the range of a.ds, the closer i came to fulfilling the symptoms profile of clinical depression... Of all the drugs i was prescribed over a 31/2 years period, only opiates ever had a discernably anti-depressant effect on me - no placebos, these!
If anything, the results of such studies would lead me to wonder whether the current dominant paradigm of "chemical imbalances" helpfully represents the whole picture - beyond it's undeniably beneficial contribution in reducing the stigma attached to mental disorders.
When the drugs the current model delivers start to significantly outperfom placebos, i'll feel more confortable with trying anti-depression medication again. It's scary that drug manufacturers will run several studies until they can get two to show some effectiveness. Meanwhile, i guess i'll try to make my own way through the lows.
That's me of course, as others will strongly and justifiably feel they have been gratly helped by these drugs.
I appreciate neurologists feel close to unlocking the secrets of the human brain, but, looking at the disappointing efficacy of current a.ds, we're still some while off solving the depression puzzle, wahtever the therapy - or is this depression talking? ;o)
Oh, well...
poster:benji
thread:105463
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020503/msgs/105781.html