Placebo effects during the waiting period for psychotherapy in patients with depression

Abstract

Patients with mental health problems typically have to wait for psychological therapies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a placebo administered to patients with depression while they were waiting for cognitive-behavioral therapy. Sixty-seven patients were randomly assigned to a three-week waiting period with or without treatment with a take-home placebo for daily usage (herbal medicine to mobilize the body’s natural healing powers to be taken orally). Symptoms of depression (self-rated and clinician-rated) were assessed at the beginning and end of the waiting period. Moreover, each week the patients evaluated levels of energy, concentration, relaxation, well-being, and sleep quality. The placebo group showed a greater reduction in symptoms of depression (self-rated and clinician-rated) compared to the standard group. Moreover, placebo treatment was associated with improved overall well-being during the waiting period. In conclusion, placebo treatment can make the wait time for psychotherapy more tolerable for patients with depression. Clinical trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00028118)