Another group may receive a standard method of psychotherapy. Clinical trials can become complex if they test combinations of medications and psychotherapy. For instance, you may participate in a trial where one group receives psychotherapy and takes medications, another receives psychotherapy and placebo, and another group receives only psychotherapy. Usually, clinical trials that test antidepressant medications are conducted on an out patient basis. People who are admitted to the hospital for depressive disorders usually have symptoms that would exclude them from clinical trials, unless the clinical trial is specifically designed to include hospitalized patients.
Every clinical trial involves a trade-off.
This means that a study may not benefit you personally at the time of the clinical trial. It is very important you understand potential risks of participation before agreeing to take part in a trial. Consult your physician when deciding whether or not the trade-off involved with a clinical trial is reasonable for you. Before agreeing to participate in a clinical trial, research the trial and ask questions. It's crucial you feel comfortable with the protocol because, to protect the scientific integrity of a trial, straying from protocol is seldom allowed.