Assessment of mental capacity in patients recruited in clinical trials in psychiatry and its relationship to informed consent.

Insufficient attention is paid to the need for assessing the mental capacity of participants in clinical trials, particularly those in psychiatry. Assessment of mental capacity is paramount especially in patients suffering from certain brain disorders and psychiatric illnesses, as lack of capacity can invalidate the consent given. Suggested below is a framework for assessing mental capacity in a systematic way with the hope that those writing on the subject of clinical research give it due importance.

Metabolic comorbidity in schizophrenia.

People with schizophrenia are at greater risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia as compared to the general population. This results in an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, leading to greater morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable group of patients. Use of certain antipsychotic agents can compound this risk and increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Appropriate identification and management of these risk factors are very important in reducing the risk and thereby improving the physical health of these patients. This review recommends a framework based on existing guidelines for the assessment, monitoring and management of patients with schizophrenia in the Indian setting.