title: Ethical conflicts in placebo treatment.
abstract: In this paper the pros and cons of using placebo are discussed from the point of view of ethical theories and principles. The effects of placebo are exemplified by findings from previous studies, and an authentic case serves to illustrate ethical dilemmas arising both for the caregiver and the patient in conjunction with the use of placebo. Placebo treatment is discussed from deontological and utilitarianist points of view, and violation of the ethical principles, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, autonomy and truth-telling, are considered.
authors.affiliation: Care Research Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Lund, Sweden.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Elander
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D026686:Beneficence; D030881:Disclosure; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D009014:Morals; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010919:Placebos; D012935:Social Justice; D014342:Truth Disclosure
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos