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Canadian psychiatrists believe in the placebo effect
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025

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A recent study found that many Canadian psychiatrists support the idea that placebos have many benefits.
A recent survey confirmed that one in five psychiatrists in Canada uses placebos in their practice. In addition, more than 35% of doctors reported prescribing subtherapeutic doses of medications (i.e., doses that are typically below the minimum recommended dose) to treat their patients.
In addition, the survey found that more than 60% of doctors believe that placebo has a therapeutic effect. Many psychiatrists attach great importance to the effect of placebo on the human mind and body. And only 2% of psychiatrists believe that placebo does not provide any clinical benefits.
However, the researchers concluded that many doctors are still ethically unwilling to openly discuss whether placebos can be reintroduced into the medical environment as an effective treatment for certain diseases.