What is a Placebo?
Updated March 07, 2014.
Definition:
In the case of medication studies, a placebo is a substance given to a patient that does not have any direct pharmacological effect. In most studies, the patient does not know whether they are receiving an active medication or a placebo. Any effects seen as a result of taking the placebo are usually attributed to the expectations of the patient, known as the "placebo effect."
Definition:
In the case of medication studies, a placebo is a substance given to a patient that does not have any direct pharmacological effect. In most studies, the patient does not know whether they are receiving an active medication or a placebo. Any effects seen as a result of taking the placebo are usually attributed to the expectations of the patient, known as the "placebo effect."
Source...