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.