Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) Study: A Clinical Research Study That Mimics Clinical Practice
Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders, and the treatment can often be complex and confusing, even for seasoned clinicians. Government statistics estimate that cost of depression in the United States in the year 2000 was estimated to be $83 billion, including both $26 billion in costs of treatment and $57 billion in losses such as absenteeism, reduced productivity at work, and the value of lifetime earnings lost due to suicide-related deaths.
The types of medications available to treat depression are as unique as the individuals they are prescribed for. A medication that works for one person may not work for another. Sometimes, people do not respond to medications and can be treatment-resistant. In addition, research studies in mental health do not always mimic real clinical practice. Fortunately, the STAR*D study was designed to do just that.
STAR*D aimed for the first time to provide solid scientific evidence regarding which next treatment steps are best for treatment-resistant depression.
Use your own skills to search for the facts and answer some of your own questions. Search the Web sites and answer the questions. Email them to me or write your answers and hand in.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/stard_qa_general.cfm
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/stard_qa_level1.cfm
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/stard.cfm
1. Why is this study important?
2. What do the results of this study tell us?
3. How is this study different from other studies of depression?
4. What medications were used in the study and why?
5. What measurements were used to determine efficacy or whether to switch medications?
6. Who participated in the study and how were they chosen?
7. Was there an influence from the pharmaceutical companies?
8. What more do you want to know about the research topic?