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

Abstract

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.

• Ethics
• neuropsychiatric
• psychopharmacology