An analysis of correlations among four outcome scales employed in clinical trials of patients with major depressive disorder
2009

Correlations Among Depression Rating Scales

Sample size: 5117 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jiang Qin, Ahmed Saeeduddin

Primary Institution: Wyeth Research

Hypothesis

This analysis aimed to assess correlations among the HAM-D17, MADRS, CGI-S, and CGI-I scales in clinical trials of venlafaxine for major depressive disorder.

Conclusion

The study found that while MADRS and CGI-I were more sensitive to treatment effects, all four scales provided a consistent picture of response to venlafaxine treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • The HAM-D17, MADRS, CGI-S, and CGI-I scales were all significantly correlated at all time points.
  • Effect sizes for the continuous outcomes ranged from 0.31 to 0.42.
  • MADRS and CGI-I were better at detecting treatment differences compared to HAM-D17 or CGI-S.

Takeaway

The study looked at how different tests for depression relate to each other when patients take a medicine called venlafaxine. They found that all tests showed similar results.

Methodology

Data from 22 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were analyzed, focusing on correlations between four depression rating scales.

Potential Biases

Potential bias may arise from different clinicians performing assessments, which could affect correlation results.

Limitations

The variability among studies in terms of diagnostic criteria and treatment regimens may affect the generalizability of the results.

Participant Demographics

Adult patients with major depressive disorder, including both outpatients and inpatients.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0001

Statistical Significance

p < 0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1744-859X-8-4

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