Frequently Asked Questions

What is clinical research?

What are the different types of clinical research?

What are the risks and benefits of participating in clinical research?

What is informed consent?

Why participate in a research study?

People participate in research for many reasons. Some hope to get the most advanced treatment available, while others want to help with scientific discovery. Research is our best hope for understanding and treating mental illnesses. Thanks to volunteers, researchers are learning more about the causes of mental disorders, and are finding new ways to treat and prevent illnesses.

Who can participate in research?

Each clinical research study has different requirements that determine whether an adult or child can participate. These requirements are called “inclusion” and “exclusion” criteria. The criteria are used to help researchers identify appropriate study participants. Potential participants are interviewed by phone and/or in person to determine if they meet eligibility criteria. For child participants, parental permission is required.

What is the time commitment?

Time commitment varies with each study. Some studies take one or more hours during a day-visit, while other studies vary from one overnight stay in the hospital to a week or several months. Some other studies can be done by phone or at home.

How does a person enroll in a study?

If you are interested in one of our studies, contact the study team listed for each study. You will learn about the study and answer questions to see if you are eligible to participate.

What are participants’ rights?

Before you enroll in a study, all volunteers are given the details of the study, including risks and benefits, during an informed consent process. All participants have the right to withdraw from research at anytime.

Where are the studies conducted?

Most of our research studies are conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. There are some studies in which volunteers can participate from home.

How much does it cost to participate?

There is no cost to participate.

Do you need to have health insurance to participate?

No, insurance is not needed.

Is there compensation?

Compensation is available for some studies. Travel and transportation may be reimbursed or provided for participants in some studies. Call to find out.