Hostname: page-component-76d6cb85b7-mgxrv Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-07-15T23:29:08.247Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Statistics and the nature of depression1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

G. Dunn*
Affiliation:
Department of Biostatistics and Computing, Genetics Section, Institute of Psychiatry, London; Department of Statistics, The Open University, Milton Keynes
P. Sham
Affiliation:
Department of Biostatistics and Computing, Genetics Section, Institute of Psychiatry, London; Department of Statistics, The Open University, Milton Keynes
D. Hand
Affiliation:
Department of Biostatistics and Computing, Genetics Section, Institute of Psychiatry, London; Department of Statistics, The Open University, Milton Keynes
*
2Address for correspondence: Dr Graham Dunn, Department of Biostatistics and Computing, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF.

Synopsis

A critical examination is made of the role that statistical methods have played in the understanding of depression. The development of instruments for measuring depression is illustrated by reference to the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Rating Scale. The controversy over the existence of one or two types of depression is examined from the perspective of the statistical tools used. Some of the problems in studies of the heritability of depression are outlined. The development of clinical trials of depression is examined, with particular reference to ECT and maintenance therapy, and the role of meta-analysis is discussed.

Information

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable