1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
Can Antidepressants Work for Me? Reporter: Katherine Kam (freelancer) Editor: Miranda Hitti (WebMD) Medical Editor: Louise Chang, MD (WebMD)
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
20-Apr-10
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
This feature story explores the effect that antidepressants can have in treating depression, in the wake of a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association suggesting that antidepressants work best for people with severe depression. The story also explores the expectations that some people have about what antidepressants will do for them, the reality that's more likely, and the lifestyle and therapy measures that are also needed.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Published studies. No FOI or public records required.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
The story includes various psychiatry experts who shared their views and put the topic in perspective for mainstream readers.
6. Results (if any).
Depression is common, and WebMD features are widely read by a mainstream audience who are seeking reliable information presented in an easy-to-understand manner.
7. Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No correction or clarifications needed, no challenges to accuracy.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
When big studies come out, beyond covering the study itself, consider features as a way to double back and put the topic in greater perspective for a mainstream audience.