Problems with ethical aspects of psychotropic drug use

1. Research is an important area within the purview of medical ethics. The Nuremberg Code and the Helsinki Declaration provide well established guidelines in this field. 2. Specific ethical issues still requiring clarification in psychopharmacological research are the informed consent, the benefit/risk ratio and the choice of placebo or standard. 3. Peer review committees, if well chosen for their objectivity, general competence and special expertise, are likely to be the best arbiters regarding such questions. 4. Legislation and other political interventions--unfortunately not always objective, competent or expert in the exercise of their powers--have recently developed into rampant paraethical problems that are plaguing medical treatment and research in many parts of the world and need to be dealt with urgently through internationally coordinated efforts. The WHO would appear to be the most appropriate agency for such action.