The study included 60 students between the ages of 18 years and 30 years. Researchers explained they were analyzing whether choice impacts the efficacy of two beta-blockers aiding in stress reduction.
After the students identified their preferred drug, half of the students received their preferred drugs. The remaining students were randomly given a drug. The students then completed three cognitive tests to boost stress.
Annals of Behavioral Medicine published the study.
Here are five observations:
1. Following the tests, students who received their preferred drug noted an average of 3.5 drug-related side effects.
2. The students who were randomly assigned a drug reported an average of 3.8 drug-related side effects.
3. During the testing period, those students who received their preferred drug demonstrated a gradual decrease in heart rate.
3. The patients who were randomly assigned a drug showed an increase in heart rate.
4. Researchers found no discrepancies in anxiety and blood pressure between the choice and no-choice groups.
5. Researchers concluded patient choice may boost a drug’s effectiveness and lower side effects.
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