Reference no: EM133405728

Obviously psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and counselors want to conduct research on the causes, pathology, and treatment of mental disorders to improve our understanding of how the human mind operates as well as to practice the most effective medications and therapies available. However, in order to conduct research it is necessary to study in depth humans that have severe mental illness. This research may include something as simple as a survey or interview or may require a considerable amount of time and risk to the participant.

To what extent is it ethical to conduct human experimentation on people who have a mental disorder? The cornerstone of ethical research with human participants is the process of informed consent and voluntary participation, however if a participant has a mental illness that effects their ability to give informed consent (i.e. Alzheimer's Dementia) to what extent can they consent? To what extent should the family or legal guardian have to give consent to have their person participate? (Assume that the participant is a legal adult)