Modafinil (more commonly known as Provigil), a drug approved for use in sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shift work disorder, appears to be helpful with bipolar depression.
The article notes that the manufacturer supplied both the modafinil and the matching placebo. I wonder how much placebo costs? Are there places that manufacture brand-name placebo? I mean, there must be, for researchers to run studies.
4 Comments | 
bipolar, circadian, circadian rhythms, placebo | 
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Posted by resonance
The alternative hypothesis is that science undergrads can mitigate pain caused by ice water, but arts majors can’t. Article.
Anyway, it does look like this might be a way to improve placebo effects. Sweet!
I’m moving home after my internship today and tomorrow, which is why I’m posting this so early. Next one should be up at a normal time.
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Posted by resonance
The placebo effect (article). The study is on individual differences in dopamine response that are associated with expecting to get a reward, and with experiencing greater pain relief.
There are placebo effects for nearly everything under the sun, not just pain. I wonder what systems the others are due to?
It’s too bad this doesn’t translate into getting a bonus placebo effect just by expecting a reward.
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Posted by resonance
