PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS TO TWO DIFFERENT PLACEBO TREATMENTS

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Abstract
Reactions to a placebo introduced either as a depressant or as a stimulant drug were examined in 16 healthy female subjects. Comparisons between pre‐ and post‐placebo measurements showed that the two treatments produced marked effects in opposite directions: (1) the ‘depressant’ placebo produced a statistically significant decrease in pulse rate, blood pressure, objective and subjective reaction speed, as well as significant effects on subjective mood in the expected directions, and (2) the ‘stimulant’ placebo produced opposite and significant changes in all variables. The subjective reactions were, on the whole, more pronounced than the effects on performance and physiological functions.