[Numbers Guy]

How then can an effective medical treatment be developed to treat a disorder that cannot be defined medically?

Very effective. Aspirin was used to relieve headaches long before anyone understood the precise mechanisms of headaches *or* just how aspirin combats headaches.

My mother went on interferon to combat her leukemia. There was a huge difference when she was on interferon pre-Zoloft and after Zoloft.

Now you may argue that was a placebo effect, that she only felt better because she thought she was on something that worked. Do you really think I give a hoot whether it was a placebo effect or an actual effect? Her emotional state is much better now (and she's beating the leukemia).

[HDawg]

Now you may argue that was a placebo effect, that she only felt better because she thought she was on something that worked. Do you really think I give a hoot whether it was a placebo effect or an actual effect? Her emotional state is much better now (and she's beating the leukemia).

I doubt it was a placebo effect. I was clinically depressed for years. I first tried St. John's Wort and other natural remedies, and they didn't help at all. I finally broke down and saw a doctor and got a prescription for Wellbutrin, and my life has been 100% better since. If these anti-depressants were simply placebos, the St. John's Wort should have had the same effect as the Wellbutrin. I wonder if the writer of this article is involved with Scientology?