David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
NIMH STAR*D Offers Further Findings on Depression Treatment Options
July 12, 2006
NMHA News Release
Results Highlight Need for Prescription Guidelines, Areas for Additional Research
ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 12, 2006)?A study released in The American Journal of Psychiatry last week, phase three of a four part largest-of-its-kind study on depression treatments, provides new insight into which medications most effectively treat depression. The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) expects that these trials, Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression, or STAR*D, will provide physicians with guidance on tailoring treatments to their individual patients, as well as identify areas requiring further research.
"The results from this third phase are important because they can help clinicians understand which treatments are most likely to benefit a group of patients," said David Shern, Ph.D., President and CEO of NMHA. "However, on an individual level, there is still a major gap in our understanding of who will respond to which treatments, that will undoubtedly require more research."
As the STAR*D trials have confirmed, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating depression. Treatment must be provided on a tailored, individualized basis, based upon each patient's unique needs. The road to recovery often requires experimenting with numerous medications and treatment combinations before the right one is found. However, this process may deter some from seeking help or cause others to abandon treatment. Further guidelines are therefore needed to help physicians and their patients accurately identify the right treatment faster.
STAR*D also highlights a number of promising areas that warrant further research - most notably, the practice of augmenting multiple medications, rather than simply switching from one medication to another. The results of phase four are expected to provide a more comprehensive picture of augmentation's role in treatment.
"With a greater understanding of how patients respond to specific treatments and combinations, we can ensure that more people with depression receive the care they need in a timely manner," said Dr. Shern. "NMHA looks forward to the release of the STAR*D phase four results, which we hope will address this need and help the 19 million Americans with depression to recover and live the full lives they deserve."
NMHA mental health experts and individuals receiving treatment for depression are available for comment by calling (703) 797-1943.
The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service. For more information call (800) 969-NMHA (6642) or visit http://www.nmha.org.
July 12, 2006
NMHA News Release
Results Highlight Need for Prescription Guidelines, Areas for Additional Research
ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 12, 2006)?A study released in The American Journal of Psychiatry last week, phase three of a four part largest-of-its-kind study on depression treatments, provides new insight into which medications most effectively treat depression. The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) expects that these trials, Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression, or STAR*D, will provide physicians with guidance on tailoring treatments to their individual patients, as well as identify areas requiring further research.
"The results from this third phase are important because they can help clinicians understand which treatments are most likely to benefit a group of patients," said David Shern, Ph.D., President and CEO of NMHA. "However, on an individual level, there is still a major gap in our understanding of who will respond to which treatments, that will undoubtedly require more research."
As the STAR*D trials have confirmed, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating depression. Treatment must be provided on a tailored, individualized basis, based upon each patient's unique needs. The road to recovery often requires experimenting with numerous medications and treatment combinations before the right one is found. However, this process may deter some from seeking help or cause others to abandon treatment. Further guidelines are therefore needed to help physicians and their patients accurately identify the right treatment faster.
STAR*D also highlights a number of promising areas that warrant further research - most notably, the practice of augmenting multiple medications, rather than simply switching from one medication to another. The results of phase four are expected to provide a more comprehensive picture of augmentation's role in treatment.
"With a greater understanding of how patients respond to specific treatments and combinations, we can ensure that more people with depression receive the care they need in a timely manner," said Dr. Shern. "NMHA looks forward to the release of the STAR*D phase four results, which we hope will address this need and help the 19 million Americans with depression to recover and live the full lives they deserve."
NMHA mental health experts and individuals receiving treatment for depression are available for comment by calling (703) 797-1943.
The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service. For more information call (800) 969-NMHA (6642) or visit http://www.nmha.org.
