Content Overview 
- Summary
- Clinical Trial Phases
- The Institutional Review Board (IRB)
- The Interview Before You Agree To A Clinical Trial
- What Protections For Participants Are Built Into Clinical Trials?
- How To Locate A Clinical Trial
- How To Choose A Clinical Trial When More Than One Is Available
- Questions To Ask Before Agreeing To Join A Clinical Trial
- How To Get Access To A Drug After A Clinical Trial Is Over
- Purchasing A Drug From Outside The United States
- Clinical Trials: Emotions And Feelings
- How To Get Your Insurer To Pay For The Costs Of A Clinical Trial
- Types Of Clinical Trials
- How To Pay Your Share Of The Costs Of A Clinical Trial Without Insurance
Clinical Trials 101
Clinical Trials: Emotions And Feelings
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An emotion that commonly appears with clinical trials is fear - particuarly fear of being treated less well than standard treatments and being treated like a guinea pig. In fact, the reverse is true because of all the preparation and review that goes into creating a clinical trial, watching for side effects, and observing response to the drug in question.
In addition, many trials monitor data known as "health-realted quality of life" which involves the quality of life a person experiences on the drug (in addition to the physical effects).
Another feeling that is common with clinical trials is hope. Actually there are often two kinds of hope involved. The first is that the patient will be helped. The second is that by joining the trial, the person helps people who come after with the same health condition. As with all treatments, there is always reason to hope.
NOTE: If emotions affect your daily life, let your doctor know. They may be related to a medication or treatment or to an underlying medical cause. In addition to medications, your doctor may recommend seeking professional help.