Teixeira MZ, Guedes CHFF, Barreto PV, Martins MA. The placebo effect and homeopathy.
HOMEOPATHY 2010;
99:119-29. [PMID:
20471615 DOI:
10.1016/j.homp.2010.02.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Like other forms of medicine, including Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), homeopathy elicits expectations in patients. The physician-patient relationship, personal and comprehensive treatment and lack of adverse effects are elements in creating positive expectations. Other elements may be associated with negative expectations.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review on placebo and nocebo effects in acupuncture and homeopathy using Medline.
RESULTS
Findings on the psychophysiological and neuromediating mechanisms of the placebo-nocebo phenomenon are reviewed. Studies of these effects reveal how expectations and unconscious conditioning can be measured by imaging and EEG methods. They result in significant, non-specific therapeutic effects, which may confuse the evaluation of the specific therapeutic effects treatment, hampering selection of the simillimum.
CONCLUSIONS
Directions for future research on non-specific therapeutic effects of homeopathy to improve clinical practice and clinical research are discussed.
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