Melamed et al as short as possible. A balanced approach should allow for placebo use while examining the various aspects and delineating safe- guarding restrictions accordingly [24]. The investigator should bear in mind that referring a patient to participate in a study is basically positive. It should be emphasized that participation in clinical studies has benefits for the patient, such as increased moni- toring and clinical care in the research setting where he/she is examined more frequently, intensified psycho-social ser- vices, and the opportunity to continue to receive the experi- mental drug free of charge following successful completion of the study. Active quality control of clinical trials should be car- ried out by the trial sponsor or by their representatives [25]. Quality control begins from the stage of the presentation of the study protocol to the potential investigator for a feasibil- ity review, and is complete when conclusions are drawn and findings are reported. It is important to train young investigators in the methodology and guidelines for good clinical practice for management of clinical trials, with emphasis on the special issues involving psychiatric patients. Conducting trials in accordance with the International Conference of Harmoniza- tion (ICH/GCP) Harmonized Tripartite Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice [26] provides assurance of quality research and patient protection. In addition, Internal Review Boards and ethics committees are responsible for safeguarding the rights, safety and well-being of all trial subjects, with special attention to trials that may include vulnerable subjects. Conclusions Clinical pharmaceutical trials are essential for the de- velopment of new medications in all fields of medicine, in- cluding psychiatry. 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