title: Randomized controlled trials in psychiatry. Part 1: methodology and critical evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To introduce clinicians to the methodology and critical appraisal of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in psychiatry.
  
  
  METHODS
  The methodology of RCTs in psychiatry is discussed. Using a systematic approach to critical appraisal, a published RCT of treatments for severe depression is examined and evaluated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The RCT appraised illustrates certain problematic areas in the methodology of trials in psychiatry. A detailed knowledge of methodology and critique of RCTs is essential in determining whether reported results will influence clinicians' practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, PO Box 4345, Christchurch 8001, New Zealand. richard.porter@chmeds.ac.nz
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Frampton
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Joyce
authors.forename: Roger T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Mulder
mesh_terms: D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
chemical_list: D003511:Cyclohexanols; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride