neuro__atypical t1_ivpy51l wrote on November 9, 2022 at 7:27 PM

Reply to comment by continentalgrip in New study (n=276) finds that a standardized mindfulness program is as effective as a common antidepressant (Escitalopram) at treating anxiety, with both treatments leading to about a 30% reduction in symptoms. by fotogneric

Sorry, I seem to have mixed up clinical and statistical significance. I was trying to respond to this part of your link:

> Even the small statistical difference between antidepressants and placebos may be an enhanced placebo effect, due to the fact that most patients and doctors in clinical trials successfully break blind.

Saying that it could be better explained by SSRIs' small but very real effect on BDNF (agents which promote BDNF to a much higher degree show actual clinically significant improvements in rats, e.g. Semax) than a hypothetical "enhanced placebo effect."

continentalgrip t1_ivq6vgm wrote on November 9, 2022 at 8:23 PM

I have worked last ten years as a clinical trials study coordinator. Some patients start taking study drug and immediately have obvious side effects making it trivially obvious they're not on placebo. So I definitely believe in enhanced placebo. Additionally I have given the HAMD to many patients over extended periods and have seen scores go up and down ten points easily. 1.8 points is really not much.