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Objectives: This paper describes Australian psychiatrist John Bostock's 1923 concept of suggestion and compares it to our understandings, in 2023, of the placebo effect. Conclusions: Bostock's 1923 article on "suggestion" gives us a glimpse of the history of Australian psychiatry. It also stimulates thought about the current understandings of the placebo effect. Now, as then, placebo effects can play a critical role in patient outcomes. However, careful consideration is required to ensure contemporary ethical standards are met and harm is not done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author explores the use of gender-affirmative treatment (GAT) approach for gender dysphoria in youth and the potential role of the placebo effect in GAT outcomes. It discusses the concept of the placebo effect, the adverse effects of GAT, and the interplay of heightened placebo and nocebo effects.

A correction to the article "Gender-Affirming Treatment of Gender Dysphoria in Youth: A Perfect Storm Environment for the Placebo Effect--The Implications for Research and Clinical Practice," which appeared online on December 13, 2022, is presented.