"BEYOND THE PRESCRIPTION: PATIENT PREFERENCES FOR PLACEBO OR ANTIPSYCHOTIC TREATMENT"

Abstract

Objective: To assess individual needs for antipsychotic medications against placebo for problems with mental health and investigate the variables influencing these choices.

Method: Data from patients with mental health issues was gathered using an electronic cross-sectional questionnaire. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used to find participants using social media and online discussion boards. The requirements for inclusion included being between the ages of 18 and 65 and having a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. Serious psychological disease, cognitive deterioration, and no prior experience with antipsychotic treatment were among the exclusion criteria. Participants spent six weeks filling out the online survey.

Result: The findings demonstrated that a sizable percentage of patients (60%) would rather get placebo therapies than antipsychotic medications due to side effect concerns (55%), and that placebo is a good substitute for antipsychotic drugs (50%). Patients who favored placebo interventions were less likely to adhere to their therapy regimens and were more likely to have encountered antipsychotic medication adverse effects.

Conclusion: Upcoming studies and medical procedures will be significantly impacted by the review's conclusions. The value of shared decision-making and patient-centered care, and imply that for certain patients, placebo treatments might be a good substitute for antipsychotic drugs. The possible advantages and drawbacks of placebo therapy for mental health issues require more investigation.