Review article

INFORMED CONSENT IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH – CONCEPTS AND CHALLENGES

Dario Bagarić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrap
Maja Živković ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrap
Marko Ćurković ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrap
Krešimir Radić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrap
Petrana Brečić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrap

Abstract

Research involving vulnerable population of mentally impaired persons is raising considerable controversies from its very
beginnings. These controversies are created around everlasting tensions between two positive duties: the duty to protect vulnerable
subjects, and the duty not to deny them potential benefits. Most of the contemporary ethical guidelines and regulations, including
most recent revision of the Declaration of Helsinki, permit these researches under certain ethical conditions. The notion of informed
consent as a cornerstone of bioethics emerges as essential requisite of moral research. We are presenting some key concepts and
safeguards regarding informed consent that researcher needs to be aware off when conducting a research involving mentally
impaired persons. Theoretical and practical challenges that are arising from these safeguards are discussed with an overview of
most recent scientific data. Lastly, we briefly address the most important legal standings that will be introduced in 2015, by new
Croatian Law on the Protection of Persons with Mental Disorders.

Keywords

clinical research - clinical trials - research ethics - informed consent – psychiatry - mental capacity

Hrčak ID:

162202

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/162202

Publication date:

18.9.2014.

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