Placebo-related effects in clinical trials in schizophrenia: what is driving this phenomenon and what can be done to minimize it?
The effect of placebo observed in schizophrenia clinical trials represents a growing problem that interferes with signal detection for treatments, increases costs of development, discourages investment in schizophrenia research and delays the introduction of new treatments. This paper seeks to clarify key issues related to this problem and identify potential solutions to them. Differences between placebo effect and response are characterized. Recent insights into the central nervous system mechanisms of placebo effect are described. This is followed by a description of protocol/study design and study conduct issues that are contributing to a growing placebo effect in clinical trials. Potential solutions to these problems are provided.
Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA. lalphs@its.jnj.com
Larry
L
Alphs
Fabrizio
F
Benedetti
W Wolfgang
WW
Fleischhacker
John M
JM
Kane
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015990:Placebo Effect; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents