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and treatment of mental illnesses.

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NIMH Practical Clinical Trials

NIMH designed the practical clinical trials to examine changes in both symptoms and functioning to determine whether a treatment improves quality of life, care-giving burden, or use of health services.

These "effectiveness studies" are part of a rigorous effort to discover what therapies work best. The practical clinical trials are:

  • CATIE
    Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness
  • STAR*D
    Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression Study
  • STEP-BD
    Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder
  • TADS
    Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study
  • TORDIA
    Treatment of SSRI-resistant Depression in Adolescents study