Participating in a Clinical Trial

The best way to scientifically evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment is to conduct a randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical trials (also called medical research and research studies) are used to determine whether new drugs or therapies are both safe and effective. New therapies are tested on people only after laboratory and animal studies show promising results. Other clinical trials compare the best known standard therapy with a newer therapy to see if one produces a better cure and causes fewer side effects than the other.

Deciding to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. Your decision should be made only after understanding the available treatments, and the benefits and the risks of your participation. You must consider such issues as the possible side effects, the time commitment, and the location and duration of the study. It may be helpful to talk to friends, family members, or your doctor when deciding if a research study is appropriate for you.

If you live in the Dallas area and you are experiencing the symptoms of depression or anxiety, you may qualify to participate in one of the current clinical trials being conducted at the Mood Disorders Research Program and Clinic. Participating in a research study is completely voluntary and confidential, within the limits of the law.

If you do not live in the Dallas area, check with your local medical school to see what studies are being conducted, or take a look at the mental health resources listed on the Links page for information on clinical trials in other geographical areas.

Visit the Clinical Trials FAQ to find out the answers to commonly asked questions about clinical trails.