What to Consider About Depression Research on Kids
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Updated March 27, 2015.
When it comes to enrolling your child in a depression research study, there is a lot to consider. But, by asking questions and gathering as much information as possible, you can make an informed decision that will be right for your whole family.
Some of the most common questions asked by parents are:
What Is Clinical Research?
In 2007, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) encouraged researchers from all fields, including depression, to include children in clinical research and research trials.
These studies help experts gain knowledge about childhood disorders and aid in developing new and safe treatment options.
Why Is Research on Kids Important?
Depression research that is tailored to the needs of children is extremely important because childhood depression differs from adult depression.
When it comes to learning about depression research, you will likely hear all about the potential risks of the study. However, there is also the potential for many benefits.
What Should I Expect During Research Participation?
Many parents and children are hesitant about participating in a research study because it often seems confusing or unnecessary. Gaining a deeper understanding can help ease fears and aid in confident decision-making.
Does My Child Need Depression Treatment and Research?
Whether to enroll your child in a research study while he or she is receiving another depression treatment is a decision that should be made with your child, his or current treatment provider, and the research study investigator.
What Are the Costs of Participating in Research?
By allowing your child to participate in a depression research study, both you and your child will be making a time commitment. In some cases, you may also be making a financial commitment. Given this, it is important to know what to expect in terms of time and financial requirements before deciding on participation.
What If I Have More Questions?
While information about the study will be provided by the research team before you participate, you still may have questions. You and your child should feel comfortable about asking those questions and understanding the information you receive.
Sources:
Benedetto Vitiello, MD, Michael G. Aman, Ph.D., Lawrence Scahill, Ph.D., James T. McCracken, MD., Christopher J. McDougle, MD., Elaine Tierney, MD., Mark Davies, MPH, and Eugene Arnold, MD. Research Knowledge Among Parents of Children Participating in a Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. February 2005. 44(2).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. PREA: Section 401 Accessed: May 30, 2011. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/UCM049870.pdf
Jeremy Sugarman, MD, MPH, MAS. Determining the Appropriateness of Including Children in Clinical Research. How Thick Is the Ice? The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004. 291(4): 494-496.
SD Edwards, MJ McNamee. Ethical Concerns Regarding Guidelines for the Conduct of Clinical Research on Children. Journal of Medical Ethics. 2005. 31: 351-354.
The National Institute of Health. Glossary of Terms for Human Subjects Protection and Inclusion Issues. Accessed: 05/31/2011. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/peer/tree_glossary.pdf
The National Institute of Health. Office of Human Subjects Research. Additional Protections for Children Involved as Subjects in Research. Subpart D. Accessed: May 30, 2011. http://ohsr.od.nih.gov/guidelines/45cfr46.html#subpartd
Tracy Hampton, PhD. Pediatric Drug Trials Required By Law. Medical News & Perspectives. Journal of the American Medical Association. January 28, 2004. 291(4): 411-412.
Updated March 27, 2015.
When it comes to enrolling your child in a depression research study, there is a lot to consider. But, by asking questions and gathering as much information as possible, you can make an informed decision that will be right for your whole family.
Some of the most common questions asked by parents are:
What Is Clinical Research?
In 2007, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) encouraged researchers from all fields, including depression, to include children in clinical research and research trials.
These studies help experts gain knowledge about childhood disorders and aid in developing new and safe treatment options.
Why Is Research on Kids Important?
Depression research that is tailored to the needs of children is extremely important because childhood depression differs from adult depression.
When it comes to learning about depression research, you will likely hear all about the potential risks of the study. However, there is also the potential for many benefits.
What Should I Expect During Research Participation?
Many parents and children are hesitant about participating in a research study because it often seems confusing or unnecessary. Gaining a deeper understanding can help ease fears and aid in confident decision-making.
Does My Child Need Depression Treatment and Research?
Whether to enroll your child in a research study while he or she is receiving another depression treatment is a decision that should be made with your child, his or current treatment provider, and the research study investigator.
What Are the Costs of Participating in Research?
By allowing your child to participate in a depression research study, both you and your child will be making a time commitment. In some cases, you may also be making a financial commitment. Given this, it is important to know what to expect in terms of time and financial requirements before deciding on participation.
What If I Have More Questions?
While information about the study will be provided by the research team before you participate, you still may have questions. You and your child should feel comfortable about asking those questions and understanding the information you receive.
Sources:
Benedetto Vitiello, MD, Michael G. Aman, Ph.D., Lawrence Scahill, Ph.D., James T. McCracken, MD., Christopher J. McDougle, MD., Elaine Tierney, MD., Mark Davies, MPH, and Eugene Arnold, MD. Research Knowledge Among Parents of Children Participating in a Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. February 2005. 44(2).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. PREA: Section 401 Accessed: May 30, 2011. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/UCM049870.pdf
Jeremy Sugarman, MD, MPH, MAS. Determining the Appropriateness of Including Children in Clinical Research. How Thick Is the Ice? The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004. 291(4): 494-496.
SD Edwards, MJ McNamee. Ethical Concerns Regarding Guidelines for the Conduct of Clinical Research on Children. Journal of Medical Ethics. 2005. 31: 351-354.
The National Institute of Health. Glossary of Terms for Human Subjects Protection and Inclusion Issues. Accessed: 05/31/2011. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/peer/tree_glossary.pdf
The National Institute of Health. Office of Human Subjects Research. Additional Protections for Children Involved as Subjects in Research. Subpart D. Accessed: May 30, 2011. http://ohsr.od.nih.gov/guidelines/45cfr46.html#subpartd
Tracy Hampton, PhD. Pediatric Drug Trials Required By Law. Medical News & Perspectives. Journal of the American Medical Association. January 28, 2004. 291(4): 411-412.
