Ethics in Neurobiological Research with Human Subjects

Book excerpt: The papers included in this book were presented at the Baltimore Conference on Ethics in 1995. The purpose of this conference was to bring together ethicists, psychiatrists, researchers, family members, consumers, and representatives of government, industry and academia to discuss the following issues: History and Ethics of Neurobiological Research with Human Subjects, Current Practices, Informed Consent, Government Oversight/Institutional Review Boards, and the Patient and Family Perspective. Over the past 40 years, there has been a significant increase in research on neurobiological disorders for basic scientific knowledge, and to develop new treatment therapies. This has led to significant advances in the treatment of schizophrenia, manic-depression and other disorders which have improved the lives of thousands. Public attention has been raised recently over the potential vulnerability of patients with neurobiological disorders who participate in such research since these patients often s