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June 10, 2010
Spending time with doctors may be good for depression.
WebMD (5/29, Laino) reported that, according to research presented at the American Psychiatric Association meeting, "simply spending more time with the doctor may help people with depression feel better."
After analyzing "data from major studies pitting the antidepressant Effexor [venlafaxine] against placebo in people with depression," researchers found that "about 30% of patients on placebo who were given one screening test per visit showed mood improvements on...the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale," whereas "about 42% of patients on placebo improved when given four assessments per visit." The study authors theorized that spending time with healthcare staff may cause patients with depression to experience the placebo response.
Related Links:
- More 'Doctor Time' Helps Ease Depression," Charlene Laino, WebMD, May 26, 2010.
Posted by admin at June 10, 2010 06:34 PM