Placebo-controlled studies in schizophrenia--ethical and scientific perspectives: an overview of conference proceedings.

Much controversy has surrounded the issue of whether clinical trials of new antipsychotic medications for the treatment of schizophrenia ought to include a placebo control group. On 18 September 1997, the authors co-chaired a symposium at the University of Toronto devoted to elucidating the issues relevant to this debate. Speakers with expertise in the areas of schizophrenia research, clinical trials methodology, medical ethics and informed consent presented their perspectives. This paper aims to summarize the major scientific and ethical issues raised during the symposium.