Out of Control: How to Design Digital Placebos

Abstract Purpose Placebo terminology and their applications are well embedded in clinical research contexts. This review seeks to clarify the principles of good placebo control design offer recommendations for improving placebos digital mental healthcare. Recent Findings Terminological confusions associated with understanding function pharmacology psychotherapy reveal an underappreciation challenges designing adequate controls trials. It would be surprising if similar did not arise testing therapeutics, emerging evidence shows attendant lack literacy health. Summary Despite burgeoning health app economy tens thousands apps now available download by consumers, few researchers have interrogated what constitutes a sought disambiguate concepts advance future proof field therapeutics.