Brain study reveals secrets of placebo effect in depression
NCT ID NCT02562430
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at why some people with depression feel better after taking a placebo (a sugar pill with no active drug). Researchers used brain scans and other tests to find biological markers linked to this placebo response. The goal is to improve future depression treatments and clinical trials by understanding how the brain's own healing mechanisms work.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL) and placebo (sugar pill)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help researchers understand why placebos work for some people with depression, potentially leading to smarter clinical trials and more personalized treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study focused on understanding brain mechanisms, not testing a new treatment. The findings may not directly lead to new therapies or apply to everyone with depression.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Depression Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States