Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) Study

The NIMH-funded Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) Study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of different treatments for people with major depression who have not responded to initial treatment with an antidepressant. This is the largest and longest study ever conducted to evaluate depression treatment. This page provides information about the study.

Questions and Answers

• Questions and Answers about the NIMH Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) Study — All Medication Levels
• General Background Questions and Answers about the NIMH STAR*D Study

News about the STAR*D Study

• Science Update (Feb 25, 2008): Co-occurring Anxiety Complicates Treatment Response for Those with Major Depression
• Science Update (Aug 1, 2007): Success or Failure of Antidepressant Citalopram Predicted by Gene Variation
• Science Update (June 7, 2007): Gene Variants Linked to Suicidal Thoughts in Some Men Starting Antidepressant Treatment
• Science Update (May 1, 2007): In Second Try to Treat Depression, Cognitive Therapy Generally as Effective as Medication
• Science Update (Nov 1, 2006): Odds of Beating Depression Diminish as Additional Treatment Strategies are Needed
• Press Release (Sept 1, 2006): Subsequent Treatment Strategies for Persistent Depression Yield Modest Results (STAR*D Levels 3 and 4 Study Results)
• Press Release (July 1, 2006): Switching to a Third Antidepressant Medication May Prove Helpful to Some with Treatment-Resistant Depression (STAR*D Level 3 Study Rresults)
• Press Release (March 23, 2006): New Strategies Help Depressed Patients Become Symptom-Free (STAR*D Level 2 Study Results)
• Press Release (Jan 6, 2006): Initial Results Help Clinicians Identify Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression (STAR*D Level 1 Study Results)

Related Information

• NIMH Depression Page
• Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) from ClinicalTrials.govExternal Link: Please review our disclaimer.
• Limited Access Dataset from the STAR*D Study
• Other studies conducted by clinical investigators from the STAR*D study team include:
  • Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes (CO-MED)External Link: Please review our disclaimer.
  • Assessing Treatment Emergent Suicidal Ideation in Patients with Major Depression (SAMS)External Link: Please review our disclaimer.