List date(s) this work was published or aired.
May 1, 2011 (MAY-JUNE 2011 issue)
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
When it comes to treating depression, America is still a Prozac nation. But new psychiatric guidelines point to potentially better, drug-free options that promise successful long-term recovery. New research reveals the effectiveness of psychotherapy, exercise, light therapy, omega 3 supplements and shock therapy in treating depression.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
New guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association for depression treatment, research results and followup from a study in Psychosomatic Medicine comparing exercise and Zoloft in treating depression, research from the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health on omega 3s, studies reported in the JAMA, statistics from U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Depression and Bipolar Alliance.
Explain types of human sources used.
Psychiatrists associated with universities and in private practice; lead researchers on studies.
Results:
None.
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.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
“1. Ask the right questions. Whether you’re interviewing a source or tracking down the latest research, several of the tried-and-true 5 Ws are always crucial. In this case, I asked things of myself and experts such as, “Who is going to be able to use this information?” “What can we reveal here that readers don’t already know or won’t find somewhere else?” “Why is this story important now?” 2. Simplify the science. There is so much information out there and a lot of the data can be complicated, confusing even contradictory. So it’s important to find ways to make it palatable and easy to understand–for you as the reporter, as well as for the readers. 3. Offer real solutions. You need to ask yourself if the remedies you’re recommending are realistic–are these things people will actually try, that will be useful to them and that they can actually put into practice with a relative amount of ease? Are they things you yourself, as the writer, would use or try if you were the target of this particular piece? 4. Allow yourself to be surprised. Some of the information you gather and advice you wind up offering may not jibe with your personal philosophies or ways of approaching things. For instance, I felt a little weird recommending electro-convulsive therapy, but my sources convinced me that it’s safe, effective, and not as antiquated or extreme as it seems. Sometimes the information takes you to new and unexpected places, and your job is to take the ride for readers and report back on it (well, except that I didn’t actually get ECT, and have no plans to do so!).”