Half of German doctors prescribe placebos – and they work

Half of German doctors prescribe placebos – and they work
A NEW STUDY in Germany has shown that over half of the country’s doctors prescribe placebos to their patients – and say such actions successfully treat problems like depression or stomach complaints.

The study, compiled for the German Medical Association and reported in the Guardian, said placebos – which could range from vitamin pills to homeopathic remedies, and even (in extreme cases) sham surgeries – were “highly effective” in most cases.