Articles tagged with Placebos
Recent research highlights the existence of multiple placebo effects, influenced by psychological and neurobiological factors. Placebo effects can be robust in both laboratory and clinical settings, and can even enhance the efficacy of treatments.
Patients taking antidepressant escitalopram experienced improved cognitive recovery following a stroke, outperforming those on placebo or in problem-solving therapy. This study suggests that escitalopram may be effective in promoting post-stroke recovery, despite being well-tolerated and not significantly affecting depressive symptoms.
Research suggests NSAIDs like ibuprofen may be more effective for relieving period pain compared to paracetamol. The updated review of 73 trials involving 5,156 women found that NSAIDs are very effective for treating period pain, with some evidence suggesting they work better than paracetamol.
A study found that acetaminophen reduced self-reported social pain and neural responses to social rejection in brain regions associated with physical pain. The findings suggest that acetaminophen may mitigate the distress of social rejection, potentially reducing antisocial behavior.
Researchers found that antidepressant medications can substantially change patients' personalities, particularly those with high neuroticism and low extraversion. Personality changes were linked to long-term improvements in mood, suggesting a potential mechanism for modern antidepressants.
Researchers found that bone marrow cells can significantly reduce the risk of death or another heart attack in patients who have had a heart attack. The treatment, known as progenitor-cell therapy, showed benefits for at least two years after the initial heart attack.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-flow oxygen was more effective in treating cluster headache pain than a placebo, with 78% of patients reporting pain-free relief within 15 minutes. The treatment was also superior for other outcomes up to 60 minutes, with no serious adverse events reported.
A study found that antidepressants can change personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion while alleviating depressive symptoms. Individuals taking the medication reported significant decreases in neuroticism and increases in extraversion compared to those receiving placebo or cognitive therapy.
A pivotal study has shown that PSD502 delays ejaculatory latency and improves sexual satisfaction in men with premature ejaculation. The treatment, a proprietary formulation of lidocaine and prilocaine, was well-tolerated and produced significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes.
Flibanserin demonstrates significant improvements in sexual functioning, desire, and distress related to low sexual desire in pre-menopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). The treatment increased satisfying sexual events and sexual desire, while decreasing distress associated with HSDD.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces pain after treatment for non-specific neck pain. LLLT is a non-invasive, painless treatment that can be administered in primary-care settings, with no reports of serious adverse effects.
A post hoc analysis of Phase 3 study data found that Vyvanse significantly improved emotional lability composite CPRS-RS scores in children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years. Treatment with Vyvanse yielded significant improvements in emotional lability scores only for those with prominent emotional lability prior to treatment.
Researchers found that increased ambient particulate matter levels are associated with increased ER visits for respiratory illness, while a new lung age formula more accurately calculates a smoker's 'lung age.' Pulmonary rehabilitation programs also showed higher abstinence rates among smokers with COPD.
A new lung age formula more accurately calculates a smoker's 'lung age,' which researchers hope will help persuade patients to quit the habit. Pulmonary rehab programs also show promise in improving smoking cessation rates, with higher abstinence rates among participants.
A new study published in Nutrition Journal indicates that XanGo Juice has lowered levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in overweight and obese people, suggesting potential benefits for heart health and diabetes. The juice also showed significant reductions in body fat percentage and BMI scores.
A randomized clinical trial of five different smoking cessation therapies found that a nicotine patch plus a nicotine lozenge was the most effective combination in helping smokers quit. The combination resulted in higher success rates and longer periods of abstinence from smoking compared to other treatments.
A decade-long study found that intensive lifestyle changes reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34 percent compared to placebo, resulting in a delay of about four years. In contrast, treatment with metformin reduced the risk by 18 percent after 10 years.
A long-term follow-up study found that lifestyle intervention and metformin therapy can persistently delay the onset of type 2 diabetes for at least 10 years. The studies showed a significant reduction in diabetes incidence rates, with lifestyle intervention delaying onset by about 4 years and metformin by 2 years compared to placebo.
LX211 controls inflammation in non-infectious uveitis, significantly reducing its recurrence rate by 50% at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg twice daily. The treatment also preserves visual acuity and reduces corticosteroid use to minimize vision loss risk.
A Henry Ford study found that pregabalin effectively reduced abdominal pain and improved sleep in women with adhesions, a common complication after abdominal or pelvic surgery. The study results suggest that pregabalin may be a viable treatment option for this painful condition.
In the study, participants on liraglutide lost significantly more weight than those on placebo and orlistat. Liraglutide also reduced blood pressure and improved prediabetes rates with all doses.
In the Phase 2b trial, TC-5214 outperformed placebo in treating major depressive disorder, achieving high statistical significance on all secondary outcome measures. The study demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile and potential as an augmentation treatment for SSRI-resistant depression.
A cheap, locally produced oral cholera vaccine has been proven safe and effective in preventing clinically significant cholera cases in young children and older individuals. The vaccine demonstrated nearly 70% protection against cholera for at least 2 years after vaccination.
Researchers found that adding budesonide to tiotropium resulted in a 62% reduction in severe exacerbations and significant improvements in lung function, signs and symptoms, and quality of life. Triple therapy also improved morning activities and reduced hospitalizations.
A new study published in The Lancet found that early treatment with glatiramer acetate can reduce the risk of progressing to 'full-blown' multiple sclerosis by almost half. The medication also showed efficacy in reducing MRI measures of disease activity and cumulative number of new lesions.
A new study published in the October 2009 issue of Gastroenterology found that patients with moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis had a 41 percent reduction in colectomy after one year when treated with infliximab. Treatment with infliximab reduced the incidence of colectomy through 54 weeks by 41 percent.
A new study by the American Gastroenterological Association found that antidepressant amitriptyline is as effective as a placebo in treating child pain-predominant gastrointestinal disorders. The study involved 83 children and showed that both amitriptyline and placebo were associated with excellent therapeutic response.
A new University of Georgia study tested the antioxidant quercetin in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing various measures of athletic performance. The researchers found that quercetin did not improve any of the measures examined, including muscle energy synthesis and cycling performance.
The PROTECT trial found that rolofylline had no significant effect on primary or secondary end-points in patients with acute heart failure, including dyspnea improvement and persistent renal impairment. The study did show an increased risk of neurological events in rolofylline-treated patients.
Researchers found that irbesartan reduced the risk of heart failure complications and a combination of stroke and other events by 13-14% in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study also showed significant reductions in hospitalizations for cardiovascular reasons and days spent in hospital.
Researchers found that acid refluxing at night results in sleep arousal 89 percent of the time in participants with and without GERD. GERD patients experience longer acid reflux events, leading to increased risk for complicated disease and esophageal cancer. This association suggests a bi-directional link between sleep problems and GERD.
The Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis study found no statistically significant difference in primary endpoint events between those subjects allocated to aspirin or placebo. Vascular events and all-cause mortality were similar in both groups, but major bleeding occurred more frequently in the aspirin group.
A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors shows promise for improving lung function and reducing exacerbations in moderate-to-severe COPD patients. Roflumilast improved lung function by 48mL and reduced exacerbations by 17% compared to placebo, with more adverse events reported.
Researchers found that taking dexamethasone prophylactically improves exercise capacity, oxygen uptake kinetics and decreases anaerobic threshold in HAPE-susceptible climbers. Dexamethasone reduces pulmonary artery pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties, but also carries significant side effects.
A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests that extending the vaccination policy could be a more clinically effective and cost-effective strategy for treating seasonal flu. The study analyzed the effectiveness of antiviral treatments and found that vaccination may be a better option for healthy adults, while th...
A new study published in Journal of Applied Physiology shows that drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake, allowing individuals to exercise for up to 16% longer. The study also found lower resting blood pressure in those who consumed beetroot juice compared to a placebo.
Studies found that botanicals were safe, but did not have a significant effect on reducing hot flashes or improving cognitive function compared to hormone therapy. The studies enrolled over 150 women and followed them for 12 months.
A study involving UT Southwestern plastic surgeons found that Dysport is most effective in women and African-American patients, while also being longer-lasting for this demographic. The study confirms the importance of tailoring dosages to individual facial muscle mass for optimal results.
A study found that Vyvanse significantly reduced ADHD symptoms in children aged 6-12 from 1.5 to 13 hours after taking the medication. The study, published online in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, demonstrated long-lasting efficacy of Vyvanse in improving behavior and attention.
Researchers at UCLA have found a new explanation for why placebos work, citing genetics as the key factor. Genes that influence brain reward pathways may modulate the response to placebos, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder.
In a simulated workplace environment study, VYVANSE CII improved ADHD symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as measured by the Permanent Product Measure of Performance (PERMP) and ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS). Adults taking VYVANSE showed significant efficacy at 14 hours after administration.
A large randomized controlled trial found that interferon gamma-1b does not improve survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study of 826 patients with mild-to-moderate lung function impairment showed no benefit from the treatment, but more side effects were observed.
Researchers found that golimumab significantly improved symptoms and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had previously failed other treatments. A total of 35% of patients on 50mg golimumab and 38% on 100mg achieved a 20% improvement in symptoms, compared to 18% on placebo.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with depression and mild cognitive impairment are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed that taking donepezil may delay progression to Alzheimer's for those with memory problems.
A randomized trial found the HPV vaccine to be 91% effective against all four virus strains in women aged 24-45 who hadn't been infected. The vaccine efficacy was lower when including those with pre-existing HPV infection, highlighting the importance of vaccinating susceptible individuals.
A randomized study found that RISPERDAL CONSTA significantly delayed time to relapse compared to placebo in patients with Bipolar I Disorder. The median duration of treatment was nine months for the RISPERDAL CONSTA group, which had a lower rate of relapse during the double-blind phase.
A study published by Mayo Clinic researchers found that pregabalin decreases hot flash severity and frequency, offering a treatment option for women who cannot take hormonal therapies or antidepressants. The medication appears to have a similar benefit as gabapentin and newer classes of antidepressants, with a lower dosage requirement.
A Phase IIa clinical trial shows that ADX10059, a negative mGluR5 allosteric modulator, significantly improves pain-free status and pain improvement in patients with acute migraine attacks. The study's findings support the potential of targeting mGluR5 signaling for migraine prevention.
A Phase IIa clinical trial suggests that targeting glutamate receptor mGluR5 with ADX10059 may prevent migraine attacks before they start. The study found that patients taking ADX10059 were more likely to be pain-free two hours after treatment than those receiving a placebo.
A new topical spray, PSD502, has been found to be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation, improving latency time from 0.6 minutes to 4 minutes in clinical trials. The spray selectively desensitizes penile skin without affecting sensation, making it a potentially attractive option for patients with this condition.
A large clinical trial found that long-term treatment with Gamunex improves and maintains physical and mental component scores in patients with CIDP. Improvements were observed in all domains, including physical functioning, role-physical, social functioning, and mental health.
In a randomized trial, voglibose significantly improved glucose tolerance and delayed disease progression in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Patients treated with voglibose had a 40% lower risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes than those receiving placebo.
A multicentre trial found that paracetamol improved functional outcomes in patients with ischaemic stroke and baseline body temperature of 37°C. The study suggests a potential benefit of paracetamol in reducing body temperature and improving outcome for patients with acute stroke in this specific temperature range.
A new phase III trial found that golimumab significantly improved active psoriatic arthritis and associated skin and nail psoriasis. The study also showed improved physical function, health-related quality of life, and enthesitis symptoms.
A phase II study showed relaxin reduces cardiovascular mortality and shortness of breath in heart failure patients with high blood pressure. The drug also improves other clinical endpoints, including hospital stay and days alive out of hospital.
A study published in JAMA found that pactimibe did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, but was associated with increased cardiovascular events. The treatment also led to significant increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
A daily folic acid supplement increased prostate cancer risk by more than two-fold compared to placebo, according to a USC-led study. The findings contradict previous observations suggesting folate might lower prostate cancer risk.
A Yale University study found varenicline significantly reduced heavy-drinking smokers' alcohol consumption and cravings. The drug also showed no adverse effects when combined with low doses of alcohol.
A Phase III study found that fampridine improved walking speed and leg strength in patients with multiple sclerosis. The drug also showed promise in reducing fatigue and improving endurance. However, adverse events were reported in some patients, highlighting the need for further research on its treatment profile.
A study found that vitamin B and folic acid supplements decreased the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women, with a 34% lower risk of any AMD and a 41% lower risk of visually significant AMD. The beneficial effect began to emerge after two years of follow-up.