AbstractsPsychology

An experimental study of the placebo response.

by Eliot. L. Gardner




Institution: McGill University
Department: Department of Psychology.
Degree: MA.
Year: 1964
Keywords: Psychology.
Record ID: 1564846
Full text PDF: http://digitool.library.mcgill.ca/thesisfile115495.pdf


Abstract

Fifteen normal subjects were administered two oral doses each of codeine, aspirin, tandearil, placebo, and "double" placebo (DP1). Tolerance levels to experimentally induced pain were assessed predrug and at 1/2, 1-1/2, 2-1/2, and 3-1/2 hours after ingestion. Pain relief under placebo was highly consistent within each day and from one day to the next. Intersubject variation in pain relief under placebo was significantly greater than intrasubject variation. Responses to placebo and DP1 were highly correlated. Situational factors (mood and method of drug administration) were found to be unrelated to placebo response. Six of the 15 subjects were identified as consistent placebo reactors. These consistent placebo reactors did not differ from the nonreactors in terms of personality structure, as measured by commonly used personality tests.