Disorder Research Summary, Research Paper Example

The research conducted by the Texas Medication Algorithm Project was aimed at evaluating the difference between clinics offering Algorithm treatment and those offering treatment as usual for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Male and female patients diagnosed with MDD (Mental Depression Disorder) were divided into the two categories of clinics 6 of which offered Algorithm treatment and 4 offered treatment as usual. In all the groups patients were to be subjected to anti depressant therapy and those who were already in the process of treatment needed a change in the anti depressant medication. The patients were recruited into the project using a psychiatric rating scale and patients who scored higher than the median for the clinic’s routine evaluation done quarterly (Madhukar et al 2004).

The primary outcomes were measured using the inventory of depressive symptomatology clinical rated scale and function measured by the mental health score of the medical outcomes study short form health survey which was conducted after every three months. Secondary outcomes on the other hand were measured by an inventory of depressive symptomatology self report scale. In the research there was significant improvement in the mental score of all patients subjected to both modes of treatment however the patients in the Algorithm treatment clinics showed a greater symptom reduction as opposed to the treatment as usual counter parts. The Algorithm intervention was rated as more effective than treatment as usual for patients diagnosed with mental depression disorder (MDD) based upon clinical rating as well as self reported symptoms and mental functioning. The Algorithm approach to treating the condition would be worth adoption since it gave better outcomes compared to the treatment as usual approach which is used in most mental centers (Karen et al 2009).

References

Karen, K., Milner, M.D., Healy, D. Kristen, L. (2009) State Mental Health: Implementation of Computerized Medication Prescribing Algorithms in a Community Mental Health System. American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. Michigan.

Madhukar H., Trivedi, M. D; A. John R., Crismon, L.M, … (2004) Clinical Results for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder in the Texas Medication Algorithm Project. American Medical Association. Arch Gen psychiatry.