[smt88]

This is consistent with my understanding, but:

- how serious are the side effects?

- how well would harmless placebo pills work in their place?

I currently believe that there needs to be a safe, placebo-like option for people without severe illnesses. For those who are severe (and can tolerate side effects as serious as suicidality), it still seems to be a good idea to prescribe them.

[tlrobinson]

"placebo-like option"

How would that work? Do placebos work even if people know they're placebos? Could doctors just start prescribing a placebo called Fauxzac and it would work some of the time?

[comex]

> Do placebos work even if people know they're placebos?

Sometimes, yes! See: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/placebo-can-work-even-kn...

But they're probably more effective if you don't know.