Treatment Of Depression: Latest NIMH Study

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

nami