Although double-blind experimental designs are considered the gold standard for documenting
treatment effectiveness, many treatments for Ménière's disease have not been evaluated
using this methodology. Particularly with a disease characterized by exacerbation
and remission, carefully controlled, long-term studies are required. The nature of
the placebo effect is described in this article, and the concept of debonafide effect
introduced. Ideally, patients should be given treatments supported by evidence-based
medicine that have the lowest possible risk of side effects. However, risk minimization
may dictate using treatments that have not been proven effective and may evoke debonafide
effects.
Key Words
Debonafide effect - Ménière's disease - placebo effect
