The adequacy of reporting randomized, controlled trials in the evaluation of antidepressants

Objective: To evaluate the adequacy of the reports of methodological and st atistical aspects of randomized, controlled trials that evaluate antidepres sant medications and the degree to which their results can be used in subse quent metaanalyses. Data Sources: Randomized, controlled trials published in English that compa red 2 antidepressant drugs with a placebo were reviewed. Papers were locate d using Medline and reference lists. Data Extraction: Each paper was evaluated using a checklist, and 3 summary criteria scores were derived. minimal, ideal, and overall. Results: Only 9 of the 69 papers met the minimal criteria to be included in a metaanalysis (which would report the final sample size and an estimate o f the mean and of the standard deviation); and 0 met all of the ideal crite ria for reporting clinical trials. Out of a possible 100 points, the mean s core for the articles was 51, and the highest score was 80. Scores were not related to the citation impact factor of the journal in which they appeare d Conclusions: Researchers must become more aware of the criteria for reporti ng clinical trials, and editors must insist more strenuously that these cri teria be satisfied.