Youths' and their parents' attitudes and experiences about participation in psychopharmacology treatment research.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to prospectively assess youths' and their parents' attitudes and experiences about participation in clinical treatment research.


METHODS
Pre- and post-questionnaires were administered to 90 youths ages 6-17 years with psychiatric disorders who participated in clinical treatment studies and their parents between August 2000 and March 2004.


RESULTS
The majority of youths (63%) and parents (90%) reported that finding out about the youth's problem and receiving treatment were the main reasons for participation in the clinical treatment studies. Percentage of youths and parents, respectively, who confirmed that informed consent issues were discussed were: Purpose of study (96%, 100%), study procedures (94%, 100%), alternative treatment (62%, 94%), and voluntary participation (89%, 99%). Most youths liked their treatment (98%), believed the study proceeded as expected (67%), were glad to have participated in this study (94%), and would participate in another study (65%). Most parents believed the quality of care was good (90%), the study proceeded as expected (96%), and were glad their child participated (99%).


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of youths and parents had a positive view about their experiences of participating in clinical treatment research, independent of whether or not the youth's psychiatric condition improved.
Wagner
Karen Dineen
KD
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA. kwagner@utmb.edu
Martinez
Melissa
M
Joiner
Thomas
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011600:Psychopharmacology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012106:Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs