- Contents
- Purpose of this document
- What is clinical research?
- Why do people choose to participate in research?
- What are the different types of clinical research?
- What are the risks and benefits of participating in research?
- What rights do I have?
- What are the possible financial costs?
- Who can participate in clinical research?
- What is randomization?
- What is informed consent?
- What else should I consider?
- How do researchers make sure that participants are safe?
- What kinds of results will come from the research?
- How can I enroll in clinical research?
- What kinds of questions should I ask the researcher?
- Glossary
- References
- For more information on clinical research and clinical trials
Purpose of this document
Choosing to take part in clinical research is an important personal decision. Your decision to participate will depend on your interests, needs, and expectations about research.
This brochure, prepared by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), provides answers to common questions about volunteering for mental health clinical research. NIMH is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research.
Our goal is to give you basic information about clinical research and help you make a decision about whether to participate. Please review this information and discuss it with those close to you. As you read, write down questions you may want to ask.
Options
Related Information
- See all NIMH publications about:
- Browse Mental Health Topics
- About NIMH Publications
