Is it ethical?

[beams]

I read somewhere that hypnosis is being used to give delusions to non-delusional people. This is being done for research trying to pinpoint exactly where delusions come from. Is it just me or is this really disturbing?

[Paddy Landau]

I read an article about this.

The researchers are using it to help understand the function of delusions in people who suffer, for example, schizophrenia.

Only volunteers are being used.

If it works out as planned, they may have new treatments to help people who suffer this type of problem.

This shouldn't be disturbing, as it holds out hope for new cures.

Paddy

[tea]

Isn't it dangerous to give delusions to people who don't have them? What are the possible side effects that these invoked delusions have?

Hmm.. At least they only use volunteers.

[Paddy Landau]

Everyone has delusions.

The only difference is the extent to which those delusions affect our life.

Paddy

[Brandbla8]

I would surely not volunteer for this study. Who would? It is not something you can very easily forget.

[SpoiledAngel]

I imagine that these are closely followed studies and that they are not inducing delusions and then sending the people out into the streets or home to suffer through them. The whole point is trying to find a way to cure it in those that are born and currently suffer these conditions. The volunteers are very aware of what they signed up for and that to me makes it not a scary or disturbing thing.