Posted by Racer on January 5, 2008, at 2:13:15
In reply to Re: STAR*D confirmed what patients already knew, posted by linkadge on January 4, 2008, at 22:14:04
> That 70% get better for a measurable period of time doesn't mean that it was necessarily the drugs that made this happen, nor does it mean that one won't relapse. I don't think the STAR*D used a placebo arm, which mystifies which routes really lead to recovery. So these studies certainly don't say that modern medical science can eliminate 70% of depression or anything.
>
> LinkadgeOn the other hand, it was a more "real world" type of study and there are benefits to that. Personally, I was impressed by the concept for that reason. What's more, I think that the study was set up to look at something different from the standard double-blind placebo controlled study, and was valid for that purpose. The article addressed some of the weaknesses of the study, as well. I always like to see that sort of balance in articles such as this.
I'd like more information about this study, particularly the numbers. Does anyone know if those are available and where?
By the way, thanks to Scott for posting this. I hadn't taken the time to read much about the study, and I'm glad I did.
poster:Racer
thread:804126
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071225/msgs/804370.html