Why participate in a clinical trial?

• You may be able to receive new medications that are not yet available to the general public, which could provide a good alternative to your current medication.
• You will receive excellent care with close monitoring by experienced psychiatrists.
• A trial is an opportunity to help future generations by testing medications that could be helpful to them.

What will be required of me during the study?

• Regular meetings with your physician and study coordinator.
• Commitment to completing the course of study.
• Taking prescribed medications as directed.

How long do clinical trials last?

Timing of clinical trials varies; they can last as little as a few hours of participation to many years of outpatient visits. Before you commit to a trial, you will be informed of the length of the particular study.

Are trials safe?

Yes, clinical trials are designed to be a safe, quick way to discover treatments that could improve your health. An official protocol describes the trial design, such as patient qualifications, schedules of tests and procedures, drugs, dosages, and length of study, as well as the outcomes that will be measured. Each person participating in the study must agree to the protocol rules. Before accepting patients into a trial, Accurate conducts a complete health assessment and provides detailed information about what will happen during the trial.

Accurate staff administers clinical trials according to good clinical practice, ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice and strict rules specified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What are the risks involved with participating in clinical trials?

Each study is different, so potential risks vary by study type. Any possible risks will always be explained to you clearly before you decide whether to participate in the study.

How do researchers test whether a medicine works?

Researchers compare an investigational medicine to an already approved medicine or a placebo (a pill that has no active ingredients).

Can you give me details about the medication(s) I may take?

• Medications will be given based on your diagnosis.
• All known potential side effects of the medication will be thoroughly explained before your participation begins.
• Your physician will monitor your progress on the medication and will make any necessary adjustments.
• As mentioned above, in some cases a patient may be given a "placebo," an inactive substance used as comparison for study purposes. This is randomly assigned, and for study objectivity, neither you nor your physician will know if you are receiving it.
• Medications are tested in labs, and safety is assured before being given to patients. If you have specific questions about research conducted on the medication, information is available.

Will I know which medicine I am taking in my clinical trial?

To preserve study objectivity, you will be randomly assigned to a treatment group. Neither you nor your physician can choose the group in which you will be placed.

What is the role of my personal physician?

• We encourage you to discuss the option of enrolling in a research study with your personal physician.
• If your personal physician would like to be kept informed of your status while in the study, a release form can be signed to allow communication between treating physicians. After the study, follow up information will be provided to your physician upon request.

Is any of my information sold or distributed in any way?

Your personal information, including e-mail address, is kept private; it is never sold or distributed in any way. Please contact us if you have any questions about our Privacy Policy.