Active placebo

Active Placebo is a term used in clinical trials and medical research to refer to a placebo that produces noticeable side effects similar to those produced by the actual drug being tested. The concept of active placebo is crucial in double-blind studies, where neither the participant nor the researcher knows who is receiving the actual drug and who is receiving the placebo.

History

The concept of active placebo was first introduced in the mid-20th century, when researchers realized that traditional placebos (inactive substances) could not fully mimic the side effects of certain drugs. This could potentially bias the results of clinical trials, as participants could guess whether they were receiving the actual drug or the placebo based on the presence or absence of side effects.

Use in Research

Active placebos are commonly used in clinical trials for drugs that have noticeable side effects. For example, in trials for antidepressants, an active placebo might be a substance that produces dry mouth, a common side effect of many antidepressants. This helps to maintain the blinding (experimental), as participants cannot guess their group assignment based on side effects.

Criticism and Controversy

While the use of active placebos can help to maintain the integrity of double-blind studies, it has also been criticized. Some argue that it is unethical to induce side effects in participants who are not receiving any potential therapeutic benefit. Others point out that it can be difficult to match the side effects of the active placebo to those of the actual drug, which could still allow for unblinding.

See Also

• Placebo (medicine)
• Clinical trial
• Double-blind