The Placebo Effect

During my time working in health care something that has amazed me is something called the placebo effect. For those of you that do not the know what this is, it is when a patient is given a fake injection or medication (the placebo) and then they have an improvement (which is the effect). In 1996 scientists gathered a group of students to test a new painkiller called "travaricaine" which was a brown substance to be painted onto the skin. However the students were not told that this "medicine" only contained iodine, water and thyme oil, none of which are pain killing medicines. Each student painted some of this substance on their finger and they all said they experienced less pain. This is the placebo effect. It has had real psychological results such as bringing down hypertension, heart rates and even helping with depression and anxiety. This is all because a patient believes that when they take a medication it will make them better. Because of their psychological state and the reaction from the brain it helps with their illness.

The patients surroundings and care play a big factor in this. Was the Dr welcoming and friendly? Was the patient in a comfortable surrounding? If the patient is kn an area that they feel comfortable they are more likely to respond to treatment even if it is a placebo.

There is still a big debate whether placebo drugs are an ethical response to somebodies pain/mental health and if a placebo is given, a practitioner must decide whether it is a good idea to take this strategy with a particular patient and whether this may cause more harm than good if the placebo doesn't work and how will the patient respond when they find out they were taking a placebo trial instead of being given working medications. 

If you have any thoughts on the placebo effect add a comment and let me know. Is this a new step for the NHS and future cost effective medicine?

Thanks for reading.

Chloe.

Anabolic Steroid Misuse - The Dangers Of Medicines Abuse

Since we've arrived into the summer months I have seen so many pictures of people on their holiday's, but what has stuck out to me is the pictures of those clearly using anabolic steroids for all the wrong reasons.

Doctors prescribe steroids such as fluoxymesterone to young boys with genetic disorders to up testosterone levels. They are synthetic substances similar to testosterone and promote bone strengthening and muscle growth, although the use of these supplements are useful in cases with those with a medical condition it often has an adverse effect in people that don't need to take them such as;

Men

- A reduce in sperm count

- Enlarge the breasts

- Shrink the testicles 

Women

- Increase body hair

- Make skin rough

- Decrease breast size

- Deepen the voice

The use of anabolic steroids is easily noticed when compared to those with natural muscle toning. The muscle is built up ontop of fat rather than replacing the body fat. Those on steroids are more at risk of heart attacks at a younger age, high blood pressure which can be very dangerous if a patient is due for surgery and liver disease and cancers.

It's effects can be so strong doctors often have to prescribe medications to stop the withdrawal symptoms when somebody is coming off anabolic steroids. If you want to increase your muscle the best way to do it is naturally and safely and take advice from a personal trainer if you're unaware of what you should be doing. 

Make sure those who you know are aware of the risks they are taking when misusing steroids. Substance misuse services can be contacted for help and support alongside of your GP's help.

Remember to stay safe and healthy even though the idea of anabolic steroids can be tempting. 

Chloe

Health Care Assistant,

Aspiring Major Trauma Nurse.