Specific advocate guidelines are needed for the protection of children in state custody who are potential research subjects in trials that would expose them to greater-than-minimal risk but also hold the prospect of direct benefit.
A physician defends her position that children should only participate in clinical trials when they have child assent and the parents also have been educated about the purpose of the research when there is no direct benefit to the child.
Physicians should not perform involuntary drug testing on an adolescent with decisional capacity without strong medical or legal reasons, even if the parents request the test.
Physicians have a responsibility to balance patient confidentiality and full disclosure to the family of adolescent patients with eating disorders in order to provide optimal treatment.
Current research suggests that the most effective treatment for pediatric depression is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication, but continued funding for independent research is necessary.