October 28, 2008 5:01 PM
- Text
Katie Couric's Notebook: Placebos
If you're like me, you trust your doctor. When he or she prescribes something, we take it for granted the medicine will help us. Well, now comes a government-funded study that shows half of American doctors admit they regularly prescribe placebos they know won't do much good. These are usually vitamins or mild pain killers, but sometimes stronger drugs inappropriate for the ailment.
Video: There is scientific evidence some patients improve with placebos simply because they think they're taking something to make them better, but the American Medical Association insists it doesn't matter, arguing placebo treatment is unethical because doctors should always be upfront with their patients.
If the idea that your doctor might not tell you the truth makes you a bit queasy, ask him about it at your next appointment. But check the label before taking anything for that queasiness. Just to make sure it's the real thing.
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