We are currently enrolling patients for studies in:
- Depression
FAQs
Q: What is a FAQ?
A: FAQ is an acronym for "frequently asked questions."
Q: How does this research thing work?
A: Basically, anyone who is interested in participating is scheduled for a "no cost" screening appointment at our site. After meeting with our staff and answering some questions, we discuss all available options with you, including but not limited to studies. During this appointment we answer any questions and address and concerns you may have and offer you a copy of the informed consent form. This form explains in detail what the expectations, risks, and benefits associated with participation. There is no obligation and participation is voluntary. You may withdraw consent or quit at any time and for any reason, without penalty. We only ask that our patients communicate with us, so that we may best serve. Since each study is different, it is difficult to say exactly what is expected, but all relevant details will be provided during the screening appointment.
Q: What do I get out of this?
A: As a participant you will receive study visits, study medication, and follow up care for a minimum of six months at no cost. You will receive more attention and evaluations, than you would in a standard outpatient psychiatric facility or care center. You may also experience the good feeling associated with helping with the process of developing new potential treatments, as we work toward a cure.
Q: Is research safe?
A: All medications must undergo four phases of testing designated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to being released in the United States. We only conduct phase II, III, and IV studies, which means the medications we use have already passed the first stage and are considered safe for testing in humans. All of our research is closely monitored by the FDA,Institutional Review Boards, the pharmaceutical companies, and of course Dr. Lozano and the JCCR staff. Safety is our highest concern and we pride ourselves on our ability to conduct research safely.
Many of the drugs we study are already widely used in Europe as well as the United States. For example, we just finished a study with a drug that has been used here in the United States for over 10 years. The reason for this is that every drug released in the US must have an indication or a diagnosis it is designed for and must undergo a predetermined minimum amount of research for any any additional one. For example, if Drug A was studied for several years and was eventually approved by the FDA and widely used for depression in 1995 and the company that owns it learns that over time physicians are prescribing the medication for anxiety as well, they may opt to invest the time and money in doing the necessary resarch to get Drug A approved for anxiety too. Oftentimes, the FDA requires ongoing research on medications that have been approved for years.
Just because we do research does not mean that the medication is new or untested. Research simply means that we are dedicated to advancing the medical field designing and implementing studies using the scientific method.
Q: What if I want to quit?
A: Participation is voluntary and you can quit at any time for any reason.
Q: How do schedule a screening appointment?
A: Just give us a call at 815-729-7790 ext 106 or ext 6 and we'll be happy to answer any questions and/or schedule you for a no cost screening visit.
