The clinical significance of the placebo effect is a hotly debated topic. The placebo effect can be generalized as “a simulated or otherwise medically ineffectual treatment for a disease or other medical condition intended to deceive the recipient. Sometimes patients given a placebo treatment will have a perceived or actual improvement in a medical condition, a phenomenon commonly called the placebo effect.” (Wikipedia) The complicated nature of antidepressants and the supposed time it takes for these medications to “take effect” makes the placebo debate an intriguing topic for exploration. Having taken many antidepressants throughout my life, I am rather attuned to the prolonged period it can take to seemingly realize if an antidepressant is actually of help to me. Firstly, this is a hard concept for a recovering addict or individual with … Read entire article »