Socioecological and sociocultural variables in psychopharmacological research: methodological considerations

Although a relatively small amount of work has been done, available evidence suggests that a host of variables, some of which are environmental, influence drug kinetics and likely dynamics as well. Recent evidence suggests that there are considerable differences in interethnic and racial responsiveness (including side effects) to various psychotropic drugs, and that understanding of differences is important for clinical and research studies as well as patient welfare. Some of the parameters of potential importance are presented, and strategies for controlling these variables in research studies are discussed.