ETHICAL PROBLEMS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH

This article mises questions about the morality and value of experimen ts conducted mainly on psychiatric patient-subjects whose mental capac ity and judgment are often impaired making them incapable of giving in formed consent. Its focus is on experimental studies in which psychoti c symptoms inpatients with schizophrenia have been knowingly exacerbat ed by suddenly withdrawing medications that they needed, administering known psychosis-producing substances such as L-dopa and apomorphine, and ignoring the treatment needs of those sewing as experimental contr ols in placebo studies. Concerns are raised about the draft ''Statemen t of Principles for Ethical Conduct'' by the American College of Neuro psychopharmacology. Questions are also raised about the adequacy of cu rrent safeguards, including federal regulations, peer review, and the trivialization of ''informed consent'' by institutional review boards that operate under veils of secrecy. Implications for mental health po licy are discussed, and suggestions are made for improving safeguards and reducing risks.