Treatment Of Depression: Latest NIMH Study

Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Bipolar
Article Date: 03 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Michael Fitzpatrick, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today issued the following statement on the new Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study results published this week in the American Journal of Psychiatry:

The latest stage in the landmark STAR*D study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) demonstrates the importance of giving people access to the best possible, most effective medication -- right from the start.

Overall, almost 70% of patients with depression in the study were helped by one or more drugs. Approximately 40% achieved remission of symptoms on their first drug and 30% in the second. On the third and fourth tries, 14% and 13% respectively, we now learn achieved remission. Treatment is often a progressive, incremental process.

In the real world, one size does not fit all. Managed care plans and state Medicaid formularies must not restrict threshold choices made by front-line physicians. The physician-patient relationship is critical in setting expectations and emphasizing the importance of staying on medication.

Greater scientific research is needed to achieve better, fast-acting, long-lasting alternatives.

Star*D results on the effectiveness of counseling also have not yet been published, which is a critical piece of the treatment puzzle.

Depression kills. Remission saves lives. Complete elimination of symptoms means a return to family, friends and productivity. The personal, social and economic benefits of effective treatment are enormous.

In 2005, NAMI conducted a survey that complements Star*D findings. On average, the majority of patients with depression who were surveyed had tried four medications.

A majority experienced six or more episodes of depression in their lifetimes, but only 34% ever discussed the possibility of relapse with a physician. Less than 25% were aware of differences between full and partial remission of symptoms. Only 25% had received talk therapy or counseling.

NAMI
http://www.nami.org

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