What is a placebo effect?

Many effects of a device or medication may only be perceived, and if the relief is short lived or can not be sustained, then the effect is placebo. A placebo effect may occur with any treatment. Clinical trials are usually double blinded placebo controlled studies to see the effectiveness of a new drug or device. When a device or medication is tested against a placebo, the real effect of the device or medication is measured. With any treatment, a person may experience relief that is very short in duration. If a positive effect of a treatment can not be duplicated or sustained, it may be a placebo effect.