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LostInParadise's avatar

Can there be a reverse placebo effect?

Asked by LostInParadise (31933points) September 26th, 2011

Here is what I mean. Suppose that you are taking a medication that you believe to be ineffective and that you believe certain problems that you are having are due to the drug’s side effects. Could it be that if you feel better after ceasing taking the medication that the improvement is all in your mind?

Until recently, I had been taking an anti-depressant and after a few years I found that I was getting really tired all the time and was walking around in a kind of cloud. I dumped the drug and now am feeling considerably better. Is it possible that I am feeling better due primarily to anticipating a positive result?

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