Research Study Title:
Interconnected Post-Drug Syndromes: Investigating the Impact of Retinoids, SSRIs, and Finasteride on Health and Well-being

Introduction
You are being asked to participate in a research study conducted by Dr. Kenneth Peters, Professor of Urology at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. Your decision to participate in this study is voluntary. You can choose to stop your participation at any time or skip any part of the study if you are not comfortable. Your decision will not affect your present or future relationship with Oakland University, the researcher, the Department of Urology, or any associated institutions or agencies.

What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this research study is to characterize long-term side effects from having previously used medications such as retinoids/Accutane, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), and Finasteride/Saw Palmetto. These medications, commonly prescribed for acne, depression, hair loss, and/or enlarged prostate, can cause severe long-term side effects after stopping the medication. In this study, we are asking participants to complete a survey to get a better understanding of the severity of these post-drug syndromes. In addition, our goal is to increase awareness about post-drug syndromes and engage the medical community to work together to identify potential therapies.

Who can participate in this study?
Anybody who has previously taken and discontinued the use of retinoids, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCA or finasteride/Saw Palmetto, has experienced adverse effects post-discontinuation, and is 18 years of age or older is welcome to complete the study survey.

How long will I be in the study?
Participation in this study involves completing an online survey, which will take approximately 20-30 minutes to finish.

Where will this study take place?
This study will take place online through a secure platform called Qualtrics at a time and place that you choose.

What do I have to do?
You will be asked to complete an online survey that includes questions about your demographic information, medication use history, symptoms of post-drug syndromes, sexual function, and quality of life. Participants will also be given the opportunity to describe their experiences with post-drug syndromes in their own words.

Are there any risks to me?
Participation in this study may cause minimal risk to the participant. The risks of completing questionnaires related to distressing topics such as sexual dysfunction may infrequently result in negative moods and stress. In addition, there is a rare risk of breach of confidentiality (release of information, which personally identifies you). Safeguards will be in place to minimize this risk by using a secure, HIPAA compliant survey platform, by keeping survey responses anonymous (responses cannot be linked back to you) and by ensuring all data is stored on an encrypted server. When the results of this research are published or presented at conferences, no information will be included that personally identifies you.

Are there any benefits to me?
Although there may be no direct benefits to you, the results of this study may benefit others in the future by improving understanding and awareness of post-drug syndromes, which could lead to better management and treatment options.

What are the alternatives to participation in this study?
The alternative is not to participate in this study.

How much will it cost me to participate in the study?
There are no costs to participate in this study.

Will I receive anything for participating?
You will not receive anything for participating in this study.

Who is the financial sponsor for this study?
There is no financial sponsor for this study.

Who could see my information?
Your survey responses may be shared and reviewed by the following groups:
    • Representatives of the Oakland University Institutional Review Board and/or other regulatory compliance staff whose job is to protect people who are in research studies.
    • Regulatory authorities who oversee research (Office for Human Research Protections or other federal, state, or international regulatory agencies).
Anonymous data may be used or distributed to another investigator for future research use without additional informed consent from you.

What if I want to stop participating in this study?
If you want to stop participating, close your browser before completing and submitting the survey. If the survey is submitted, it will not be possible to withdraw your data from the study.

Who do I contact if I have questions about this study?
If you have any questions about this study, you can contact Dr. Kenneth Peters (Kenneth.Peters@corewellhealth.org).
For questions regarding your rights as a participant in human subject research, you may contact the Oakland University Institutional Review Board at 248-370-4898.

You are not giving up any legal rights by agreeing to participate in this study. You will be given a copy of this form.

By clicking "I consent" below, you agree to participate in this research. Please print a copy of this consent form for your information.
Click to download Consent Form PDF for personal records