If a subject in an antidepressant study will be incarcerated before their next injection, what should the researcher do?

When a subject in an antidepressant study is facing incarceration, the most responsible and ethical course of action for the researcher is to inform prison authorities about the medical issue and notify the Institutional Review Board (IRB). This approach ensures that the subject's medical needs, particularly regarding their mental health treatment, are communicated to those who will be responsible for their care while incarcerated.

By informing the prison authorities, the researcher helps facilitate continuity of care for the subject’s medication regimen, which is crucial for individuals with mental health conditions. Additionally, notifying the IRB is important to maintain compliance with ethical standards and regulations governing research with human subjects. The IRB can provide guidance on how to proceed, ensuring that the subject's rights and welfare are protected throughout the process.

This combined strategy respects the subject's needs while adhering to legal and ethical obligations associated with conducting research. Other actions might not ensure appropriate medical care or address the ethical responsibilities of researchers to the participant, which is why they are less favorable options.