STAR*D: has it taught us anything about the management of depression?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper was to review the large US National Institute of Mental Health-sponsored depression intervention effectiveness study, STAR*D, in order to evaluate critically its relevance for Australasian clinicians.


CONCLUSIONS
STAR*D is a landmark study which tried to address issues of effectiveness rather than efficacy, of a number of interventions for depression. However, methodological shortcomings limit the utility of the study in informing Australasian clinical practice.
Castle
David
D
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Health, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia. david.castle@svhm.org.au
Schweitzer
Isaac
I
Tiller
John
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D018579:Patient Selection; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012074:Remission Induction
D000928:Antidepressive Agents