(October 24, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Doctors whose specialties often require them to treat hard-to-manage medical conditions frequently turn to placebo treatments, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.

Here are some facts about placebos:

•    They are treatments that are recommended or prescribed even though they have no known benefits for the disease in question.

•    While the classic placebo is a sugar pill, it can also be an active drug that is used in a situation in which it is not known to be beneficial.

•    Research suggests that 30 to 60% of patients may respond to placebo treatments.

Researchers out of U.S. National Institutes of Health sent 1,200 doctors specializing in general internal medicine or rheumatology questionnaires about their use of and attitudes toward the use of placebos with patients.

Overall, 57% of the doctors responded to the survey. Half reported that they use placebo treatments regularly, while 62% said that this practice is ethically acceptable. The most commonly used placebos prescribed were over-the-counter painkillers (41%), vitamins (38%), antibiotics (13%), and sedatives (13%). Only 3% reported using sugar pills. Most respondents described the placebo treatment to patients as, “a potentially beneficial medicine or treatment not typically used for their condition”.

Today’s research highlights the frequent use of placebos among general internists and rheumatologists. While probably often harmless or even helpful, there is concern about prescribing active drugs like antibiotics and sedatives to those who cannot benefit from their known effects.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.