Articles tagged with Placebos
A new UCLA imaging study has found that placebo alters brain function in individuals with major depression, showing increased activity in the prefrontal cortex for those who responded to treatment. This discovery challenges traditional views on treatment effectiveness and may lead to the development of new medications.
Researchers have found that immunoglobulin therapy significantly reduces symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), including stiffness and spasm, and improves mobility. The study showed a statistically significant decrease in symptoms for patients treated with IVIg, with 11 out of 14 patients becoming less stiff and more mobile.
Researchers found that steroid nasal sprays combined with antibiotics significantly improved sinusitis symptoms and reduced recovery time. A study of 95 adults with recurrent or chronic sinusitis reported a 93% cure rate using fluticasone, compared to 74% for placebo.
A study by the University of Chicago found that saw palmetto can improve urinary symptoms in men with enlarged prostates. After six months, men who received saw palmetto had a significant reduction in their urinary symptom score, while those on placebo showed only half the improvement.
A study published in 2001 found that patients with autism who received secretin showed no statistically significant improvements in core symptoms compared to those who received a placebo. The researchers tested porcine secretin and found no improvement in secondary measures of autism either.
A comprehensive program combining naltrexone, communication skills training, and cue exposure training significantly reduced heavy drinking days and urges to drink. Patients who received the communications and coping skills training were less likely to report a relapse day.
Phase 3 results of ENBREL (etanercept) demonstrated significant improvement in signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, with 72% of patients experiencing treatment response after 12 weeks. The study also showed improvements in skin manifestations and psoriasis activity.
Researchers investigated bosentan's effectiveness in treating patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. Bosentan improved cardiopulmonary haemodynamics and reduced pulmonary artery pressure in patients compared to placebo.
A first-of-its-kind oral drug, bosentan, has been shown to reverse the deadly consequences of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and improve patients' quality of life. By increasing exercise capacity and improving heart function, bosentan reduces symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
A series of studies suggests honey is a viable carbohydrate option for endurance athletes due to its low glycemic index and positive metabolic response. Honey has been shown to improve power and speed in exercise, making it an attractive natural energy boost.
A study found that leptin treatment reduced appetite and increased feelings of fullness in obese men. However, the participants did not experience significant weight loss, suggesting that reduced appetite may not be representative of overall food intake.
A Mayo Clinic study found that long-term medication use helps smokers who stop avoid relapse and gain less weight. The study, which involved 784 participants, showed that those taking the antidepressant bupropion were more likely to stay smoke-free than those on a placebo.
Research found that patients taking Reminyl experienced reduced time spent supervising and assisting daily activities, while caregivers reported a decrease in stress and an increase in independence. The medication may delay institutionalization and have a positive economic impact.
A preliminary study suggests that levodopa combined with physiotherapy can improve motor recovery in stroke patients. After three weeks of treatment, the levodopa group showed a significant improvement in motor function compared to the placebo group, with an RMA score gain of 6.4 points versus 4.1 points.
Researchers used low doses of dextroamphetamine in a four-year study of 21 stroke survivors with aphasia. The drug group made significant gains in communication abilities, surpassing 15-point clinically significant changes in 83% of participants.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that patients with diabetic neuropathy experienced significant pain reduction with Lamictal treatment. Almost half of the patients achieved a 50% reduction in pain, and most were able to reduce their need for additional pain medication.
A new study shows that paramedics can effectively treat patients with acute and prolonged seizures using injections of benzodiazepines. Lorazepam was found to be more effective in stopping seizures than diazepam, with 59% of patients responding to the treatment.
A 24-week study found consistent benefits of ARICEPT in patient function, cognition, behavior, and activities of daily living. The medication showed statistically significant overall improvement vs. placebo in behavioral disturbances associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A US study of 415 people found that patients taking donepezil maintained their level of functioning 72% longer than those receiving a placebo. Another study involving 286 people in Scandinavia and the Netherlands showed similar results, highlighting donepezil's effectiveness in preserving daily activities.
A large-scale study has found lamotrigine to be safe and effective in preventing episodes of mood swings in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. The study, published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, showed that 41% of patients who received lamotrigine remained stable without relapse for six months, compared to 26% on placebo.
A 52-week study found that patients treated with 6-12 mg of rivastigmine daily showed significantly better cognitive function than those on placebo or lower doses. The treatment reduced cognitive decline and improved outcomes in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
GL701 significantly reduced lupus flares, with 18% of patients experiencing flares compared to 34% on placebo. The study also showed improved quality of life and reduced adverse events.
A study analyzing a maintenance use trial found that people who quit smoking using placebo cited overwhelming cravings as the most frequent reason for returning to smoking. In contrast, those treated with Zyban (bupropion HCl) Sustained-Release 150 mg Tablets, cited presence of other smokers and stress as top reasons.
A new study suggests that bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets may be an effective treatment for HSDD in females, with significant increases in episodes of sexual arousal and interest. Researchers reported encouraging results, with nearly 40% of participants showing improvement in their sexual desire.
A new drug, modafinil, has been shown to effectively treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients, with over 85% of participants able to identify the active ingredient. The study found that modafinil improved fatigue severity and had minimal side effects, making it a promising first-line treatment for MS patients.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that diphenhydramine, a commonly used antihistamine, impairs driving performance more significantly than alcohol. Fexofenadine, on the other hand, had minimal impact on driving skills.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that anti-IgE therapy significantly improved symptoms in patients with allergic asthma, with 33% and 43% completely eliminating oral corticosteroid use. This new approach may greatly improve treatment outcomes for those with allergic asthma.
A study of over 33,000 patients found that more patients switched to Allegra from Claritin than vice versa during the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998. The results also showed that Allegra was effective in reducing symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and had a similar side-effect profile to placebo.
Researchers found that pregnant women who received a hormone-like gel called prostaglandin E2 gave birth faster than those who received a placebo, with an average labor time of 5.6 hours versus 8.6 hours. The study suggests that this gel may help prevent the need for induced labor and reduce Caesarean sections in women at risk
A daily dose of fish oil significantly improves kidney function and reduces the risk of advanced kidney failure in people with IgA nephropathy. Researchers followed 106 study participants for over six years, finding sustained benefits from fish oil supplementation.
A new study found that patients with higher levels of conscientiousness are less likely to die suddenly from cardiovascular disease. Patients who faithfully take their prescribed medication, such as amiodarone, are also more likely to engage in healthy behaviors like eating a heart-healthy diet and socializing.
A study found that inhaled zanamivir significantly reduces the time to recover from influenza symptoms by up to one-third and complications by 71% in high-risk patients. It also showed faster return to normal activities and better health status scores compared to placebo.
A recent study shows that calcitonin-salmon nasal spray significantly reduces the incidence of new spinal fractures in postmenopausal women with existing osteoporosis. The treatment, which is currently indicated for women over 5 years past menopause and without estrogen replacement therapy options.
The RADARS study found rectal diazepam gel to be effective in reducing seizure frequency and improving outcomes for patients with acute repetitive seizures (ARS). Administered by caregivers, the treatment demonstrated minimal potential for serious adverse events, making it a cost-effective option.
A nationwide clinical trial involving nearly 400 patients showed no statistically significant difference in full recovery and mortality rates between those given citicoline and a placebo. However, the drug appeared to produce an improvement in a subset of patients with moderate to severe strokes.
A multicenter study found that antidepressant sertraline highly successful in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), with significant benefits seen in mood symptoms and relationship problems. The study showed 62% of women treated with sertraline experienced marked improvement, compared to 34% on placebo.