DISCUSSION 1

DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING IN ONE TO TWO PARAGRAPHS.

Why is it thought that the placebo effect challenges modern medicine?

Why is the concept of the placebo effect particularly important and relevant to the field of health psychology?

What ethical issues are involved with the use of the placebo as a pain control treatment in research and in actual clinical treatment? In effect, is a doctor who prescribes a sugar pill (even if it works) to lessen symptoms harming a patient? What do you think of the use of the placebo?

DISCUSSION 2 ONE OR TWO PARAGRAPHS

Why can chronic, advancing, and terminal illnesses be considered family illnesses? Please feel free to include any personal experiences that you have had with this topic.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

---

✅ Discussion 1: Placebo Effect

Step 1: Introduction (1–2 sentences)

• Start with a brief definition of the placebo effect (a beneficial effect produced by an inactive treatment because of the patient’s belief in it).

Step 2: Why it challenges modern medicine

• Explain that modern medicine is based on biological mechanisms and evidence-based treatment, while the placebo effect shows that beliefs, expectations, and psychology can produce measurable health outcomes.

• This raises questions about how much of a treatment’s effectiveness is due to the treatment itself versus the patient’s mind-body response.

Step 3: Importance in health psychology

• Health psychology emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and behavior.

• The placebo effect demonstrates how psychological factors (expectation, trust, conditioning) can influence pain, symptoms, and recovery.

Step 4: Ethical issues

• Discuss the dilemma: prescribing a placebo involves deception, which may violate patient autonomy and informed consent.

• On the other hand, if it reduces symptoms without harm, some argue it could be justifiable.

• Conclude with your opinion (e.g., “I think placebos may be acceptable in controlled research or when patients are informed, but deception in clinical care risks undermining trust.”).

---

✅ Discussion 2: Chronic and Terminal Illness as Family Illnesses

Step 1: Introduction

• Define why illnesses are not just individual problems—they affect the entire family unit emotionally, financially, and socially.

Step 2: Key explanation

• Families may face emotional stress, role changes (e.g., children becoming caregivers), and financial strain from ongoing care.

• Decisions about treatment, end-of-life care, and daily management require family cooperation.

Step 3: Optional personal connection

• If comfortable, briefly share (or create a general example) such as:
  “For instance, when my relative was diagnosed with cancer, the entire family had to adjust routines, provide emotional support, and share caregiving responsibilities. It reinforced the idea that illness impacts everyone, not just the patient.”

Step 4: Closing sentence

• End with a reflection on why it is important for healthcare providers to consider the family system when treating patients with chronic or terminal illnesses.

---

 

Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.

WRITE MY ESSAY