Capacity to Provide Informed Consent for Participation in Schizophrenia and HIV Research

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.159.7.1201
• Publication Date: 2002-10-11T18:30:25Z
• Authors: David J. Moser; Susan K. Schultz; Stephan Arndt; Michelle L. Benjamin; Frank W. Fleming; Colleen S. Brems; Jane S. Paulsen; Paul S. Appelbaum; Nancy C. Andreasen
• Keywords: Apathy

OBJECTIVE: The degree to which people with psychiatric symptoms and cognitive dysfunction can provide informed consent participate in research is a controversial issue. This study was designed examine the capacity of subjects schizophrenia HIV for participation determine relationships among dysfunction, symptoms, decisional capacity. METHOD: Twenty-five men women DSM-IV diagnosis 25 were recruited. groups compared terms neuropsychological functioning, ability hypothetical drug trial. RESULTS: Eighty percent 96% HIV-positive demonstrated adequate trial, but group had significantly lower scores on two four aspects For schizophrenia, functioning (e.g., apathy avolition), not psychotic hallucinations delusions), associated CONCLUSIONS: majority who are recruited willing or will have consent. Cognitive shown be impaired unique may occur many other forms illness. These findings underscore importance considering how assessed all types research, regardless specific condition being studied.