What is a placebo challenge?

A placebo challenge is a research method used to assess the effects of a placebo treatment on participants, typically in clinical trials. In this approach, individuals are given a placebo, often without their knowledge, and their responses are observed to determine whether any changes in their condition can be attributed to the placebo effect. This method helps researchers differentiate between actual therapeutic effects and psychological responses, providing insights into the efficacy of treatments. It is commonly employed in studies of pain relief, depression, and other conditions where subjective experiences are significant.