title: Practicable and valid approach to evaluate the efficacy of nootropic drugs by means of rating scales.
abstract: Starting with the disputable practice of evaluating the efficacy of nootropic drugs the author has developed a strictly experimental examination approach emphasising the internal validity of experiments. The physician's assessment of the global therapeutic effect is suggested as a variable examination factor which should be treated as an independent variable and a valid instrument for judging the effect when arriving at a statistical conclusion. Differentiated rating scales and measurements are suggested as a basis for this judgment. Proven effects are described in a more differentiated manner by means of this method which helps in discussing the validity of results.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D002537:Intracranial Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales