About 21 million adults in the United States suffer from varying levels of depression each year.  The largest, most expensive study has concluded that their four step method may help people become symptom free.  A total remission was achieved in 67% of their patients.
   
   The step-by-step medication treatment, STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression), involved more than 3,000 patients in 41 different clinics.  Each of the four steps lasting 14 weeks.

   In a nutshell, each step involved medications such as Celexa, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Flexor, and others.

Once patients achieved remission or made substantial improvement, they were monitored closely for the next 12 months.  Thirty-seven percent of patients reached remission after the first step, 31 percent after completing the second step, 14 percent reached remission after the third step, and 13 percent reached remission after step four.

   I hope this means that several of my acquaintances will soon be able to ditch their anti-depressant pills to start leading more productive, healthy, and happy lives.