The ethics of using placebo medication in a non-capacitous patient

Background: The use of placebo has long been controversial. Whilst evidence accumulates regarding it's beneficial and safe effects, ethical issues around the eroding of patient autonomy and accusations of deception stop most doctors prescribing inert placebo substances. Case study: This paper p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain injury 2012-10, Vol.26 (11), p.1397-1400
Main Authors: Bolton, Philippa, Shotton, Laura, Young, Anthony, Grace, Janet
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Beneficence
Ethics
Ethics, Medical
Female
Humans
Informed Consent
neuropsychiatric
Patient Advocacy
Personal Autonomy
Physician-Patient Relations - ethics
Placebos - administration & dosage
psychopharmacology
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Background: The use of placebo has long been controversial. Whilst evidence accumulates regarding it's beneficial and safe effects, ethical issues around the eroding of patient autonomy and accusations of deception stop most doctors prescribing inert placebo substances. Case study: This paper presents a case of a non-capacitous patient who was prescribed placebo medication, as a 'best interest' decision under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Good and safe effect was achieved in treating the patient's anxiety. This paper argues that in the non-capacitous patient, the principles of beneficence and justice may outweigh those of autonomy and, therefore, prescription of placebo medication should be more widely considered for this significant group of patients.
ISSN:0269-9052
1362-301X
DOI:10.3109/02699052.2012.694560