Multiple Choice
Which class of medications work through increasing GABA activity?
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15. Treatment
Biological Therapies
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of the placebo effect?
A
A patient starts feeling better after a few weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy.
B
A patient in a drug trial shows improvement while taking a new medication inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake.
C
A patient shows reduced symptoms of depression after joining a community support group.
D
A patient in a drug trial shows improvement while taking a pill without active ingredients.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of the placebo effect. The placebo effect occurs when a patient experiences a real improvement in their condition after receiving a treatment that has no therapeutic effect, such as a sugar pill or saline injection. This improvement is due to the patient's belief in the treatment rather than the treatment itself.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Look for the scenario where the improvement in the patient's condition is not due to an active therapeutic agent but rather due to their belief in the treatment.
Step 3: Eliminate options that involve active interventions. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy and medications that inhibit norepinephrine reuptake involve active therapeutic processes, so they do not represent the placebo effect.
Step 4: Consider the option involving a community support group. While joining a support group can lead to reduced symptoms of depression, this improvement is due to social interaction and emotional support, not the placebo effect.
Step 5: Identify the correct option. The scenario where a patient shows improvement while taking a pill without active ingredients is the best example of the placebo effect, as the improvement is based on the patient's belief in the treatment rather than the treatment itself.
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