Nina Jurinec1, Anne Schienle2. 1. University of Graz, Department of Clinical Psychology, Graz, Austria; Community Health Center Gornja Radgona, Gornja Radgona, Slovenia. 2. University of Graz, Department of Clinical Psychology, Graz, Austria. Electronic address: anne.schienle@uni-graz.at.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Patients with depression often experience difficulties with completing homework assignments during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In the present study, we investigated the effects of a specific placebo which aimed at improving the practice of a daily relaxation exercise during a four-week outpatient program. METHODS: A total of 126 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 'Coping with Depression' course, 'Coping with Depression' course with additional daily placebo treatment, and waiting-list group. The placebo (sunflower oil) was introduced as a natural medicine to help the patients focus on their inner strengths and to mobilize their bodies' natural healing powers. The placebo was taken orally before the daily relaxation exercise. RESULTS: The placebo improved homework quantity and quality (both p < .001). The placebo group practiced more often and experienced greater relaxation effects than the no-placebo group. Additionally, the placebo group showed a greater reduction of depression symptoms (p < .001). LIMITATIONS: The primary limitation of the study is the lack of a psychophysiological measure of relaxation. CONCLUSIONS:Placebos can be used to leverage CBT effects in patients with depression.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND:Patients with depression often experience difficulties with completing homework assignments during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In the present study, we investigated the effects of a specific placebo which aimed at improving the practice of a daily relaxation exercise during a four-week outpatient program. METHODS: A total of 126 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 'Coping with Depression' course, 'Coping with Depression' course with additional daily placebo treatment, and waiting-list group. The placebo (sunflower oil) was introduced as a natural medicine to help the patients focus on their inner strengths and to mobilize their bodies' natural healing powers. The placebo was taken orally before the daily relaxation exercise. RESULTS: The placebo improved homework quantity and quality (both p < .001). The placebo group practiced more often and experienced greater relaxation effects than the no-placebo group. Additionally, the placebo group showed a greater reduction of depression symptoms (p < .001). LIMITATIONS: The primary limitation of the study is the lack of a psychophysiological measure of relaxation. CONCLUSIONS: Placebos can be used to leverage CBT effects in patients with depression.