University of Florida Department of Psychiatry

Clinical Trials in Psychiatry

"Research to advance patient care"

The Department of Psychiatry’s Clinical Trials Division is dedicated to the study of new treatments for psychiatric disorders through clinical research. We offer excellent, confidential mental health care from some of the area's leading psychiatrists at no cost. We have been conducting Industry-Sponsored clinical trials for over 10 years. Our Clinical Trial Investigators are nationally and internationally recognized experts in psychopharmacology with experience in mental health research funded by industry, government, and private foundations.

All research conducted by the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry complies with good clinical practices as defined under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Protocols are reviewed by either the University of Florida Health Science Center Institutional Review Board (IRB) or the Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB).

As a service to patients interested in clinical trial participation, we provide the following introduction to clinical trials, followed by information about trials that are currently open for enrollment.

Introduction to Clinical Trials

Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important decision. The following frequently asked questions provide introductory information about clinical trials. It is also helpful to talk to a physician, family members, or friends about deciding to join a trial. The decision to enter a clinical trial or not is always up to you. Anything you decide will, of course, be personal and will depend upon your interests, needs, and expectations about research. After identifying some trial options, the next step is to contact the study research staff and ask questions about specific trials.

The Clinical Trial Volunteer's Bill of Rights

Points to Remember

Clinical trials are tests of medical treatments to see if they are safe and if they work.
Before you agree to take part in a study, you must be given complete information about the study, including possible side effects and benefits.
You must sign a special agreement called "Informed Consent" before taking part in the study.
You can leave the study at any time.

What is a clinical trial?

Who can participate in a clinical trial?

Why would someone want to participate in a clinical trial?

How is the safety of the participant protected?

What is a protocol?

What is informed consent?

What are the potential risks and benefits of clinical trials?

What should people consider before participating in a trial?

Current Clinical Trials - This section will provide you with information about our currently enrolling clinical trials. If you are interested in participating or looking for more information, please call toll-free: (877) 788-3994 or e-mail us at trials@psychiatry.ufl.edu.