Ethical aspects of psychopharmacology

1. A series of topics are presented for the purpose of eliciting discussion and clarification of issues. These include parameters on the ethical implications of: a. Psychopharmacological research in human subjects with special emphasis on the use of placebo for drug trials and problems related to the choice of research methods. b. Prescription of psychotropic drugs, the role of physicians, and the problem of the delegation of functions to para-medical personnel. c. The administration of psychotropic drugs: Issues related to informed consent of the patient, side effects, and groups at special risk. d. Availability and cost of drugs, generic and trade name preparations, as well as selective use of drugs for different populations. 2. Special reference is made to points contained in the "Declaration of Hawaii" (1978).