Nearly all doctors have given patients a placebo

Nearly all doctors have given their patients placebos, a study has found.

Researchers say 97 per cent admitted giving 'impure' placebos — those which have medicinal value but are unproven in the illness they are given for — at least once.

Meanwhile, 12 per cent had used placebos, such as sugar pills.

Oxford research fellow Dr Jeremy Howick, one of the study's leaders, said: 'This is not about doctors deceiving patients.

'The study shows placebo use is widespread in the UK, and doctors clearly believe placebos can help patients.'

The doctors surveyed gave similar reasons for prescribing both pure and impure placebos.

They said they gave the medicines because patients had requested treatment, to reassure patients, or to produce a psychological effect.

Placebo usage goes against current GMC ethical codes, although the researchers say these should now be re-evaluated.

Dr Howick added: 'Current ethical rulings on placebos ought to be revisited in light of the strong evidence suggesting doctors broadly support their use.'

Of the doctors surveyed, 66 per cent said pure placebos were ethically acceptable in certain circumstances, while 33 per cent said they were never acceptable.

Impure placebos were considered acceptable by 84 per cent of doctors.

Professor George Lewith, of the University of Southampton, said: ' This study demonstrates doctors are generally using placebos in good faith to help patients. Previous studies by Southampton have clearly shown placebos can help many people.

'The placebo effect works by releasing our body's own natural painkillers into our nervous system.

'In my opinion the stigma attached to placebo use is irrational, and further investigation is needed to develop ethical, cost-effective placebos.'

'pure'