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A Review of the Current Research Literature

Robert F. Prien, PhD; Linda L. Carpenter; David J. Kupfer, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1991;48(9):796-800.

Abstract
• A review of research articles published in nine journals over a 2-year period was conducted to determine how critical changes in the clinical course of depressive disorder are defined in the research literature. These change points, labeled by terms such as response, recovery, and relapse, are critical for evaluation and communication of study results. The review focused on studies of unipolar depression that used a criterion-based diagnostic system and involved some form of therapeutic maneuver. The review showed significant inconsistency in the labeling and definition of change points and indicated the need for more precise conceptual definitions and operational criteria to enhance comparison, generalization, and application of results from clinical studies of depression.

Author Affiliations
From the Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, Md (Dr Prien), and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pa (Ms Carpenter and Dr Kupfer).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication September 20, 1990.

Reprint requests to National Institute of Mental Health, Room 10C24 Parklawn Bldg, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857 (Dr Prien).

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