Subscribe now

Letter: Nothing works

Published 16 June 2001

From Graham Guest

A way of solving the ethical dilemma over placebos
(26 May, p 34) is to
explain to the patient that in your opinion the remedy is a placebo and that
since the placebo effect has been shown scientifically to be real there is a
good chance that the remedy will work. A truthful explanation with no spin.

London

Issue no. 2295 published 16 June 2001

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop