Planning of a therapeutic comparison by consideration of objective and subjective responses.

Often in drug trials only the objective, or the subjective responses of the subjects are investigated, depending on the kind of drug. It is, however, desirable to check both the objective and the subjective responses in every drug trial. The investigation of the objective symptoms which is especially necessary in psycho-pharmacological trials, presents great difficulties. When a bodily function is found which reflects the emotional reactions which it is desired to investigate, it is necessary to plan the trial in a way that allows the results to be seen as proof of the effects of the drugs. Proposals for such a therapeutic trial are made. In the checking of the subjective responses the questionnaire is reckoned to be the best method. Problems of how the questionnaires are made and how they are used in the trials are discussed. By checking the subjective reactions, not only the side effects of the drug are demonstrated, but also their therapeutic effects. The author does not agree with the opinion that the double blind test is better than the single blind test in every case. Appropriate investigations should be made to clarify these questions.