F.A.Q.
Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. The following frequently asked questions will provide you with detailed information about clinical trials. In addition, it is often helpful to talk to your health care provider, family members, or friends about deciding to join a trial. After you have identified some trial options, the next step is to contact the study research staff and ask questions about specific trials.
- What is a clinical trial?
- Who should volunteer?
- Why should you volunteer?
- How does a clinical research study work?
- Making your decision?
Clinical trials are carefully supervised research studies whereby new investigational treatments and medications are evaluated for safety and effectiveness by a medical team.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all pharmaceutical companies thoroughly test new medications before they become available to consumers. All medications in use today – prescription and over-the-counter – were first proven safe and effective in clinical trials.
CNS Network, Inc. welcomes generally healthy adult individuals living with a psychiatric or neurological disease or condition looking to improve their quality of life. Clinical trials are open to all ages: children, adolescents, adults and senior adults.
By participating in a clinical trial with CNS, you may help in the development of new medical therapies. These therapies, if proven to be safe and effective, can help improve the quality of life by offering better treatments and even cures for people with life-threatening and chronic diseases.
Clinical research studies offer volunteers the benefits of free physical exams, study related medical testing and study medication. Many studies offer compensation for your time and travel.
How does a clinical research study work?
The clinical testing of an investigational drug follows a carefully planned process whereby a volunteer’s safety is the top priority. Before a study medication is given to volunteers in a clinical research study, it is carefully researched in the laboratory.
Clinical research studies are reviewed by Institutional Review Boards (IRB’s). IRB’s are independent committees who oversee the study process and are designed to help protect the rights and welfare of study volunteers.
As part of joining a clinical trial, you will meet with healthcare professionals to discuss your current condition and treatment, as well as to answer any other questions you may have. The healthcare team will assess your eligibility for a study.
When you participate in a clinical trial, your privacy is protected. The study data that is provided to the pharmaceutical company and the FDA generally does not include your name or the names of other individuals participating in a study.
As a study volunteer, you have the right to discontinue your study participation at any time and for any reason.
