The methods used in the study were scientifically sound. Three models of patients were used: those who had fluoxetine therapy only, those who had CBT only, and those who had a combination of both (Antonuccio ET al, 1997). Several factors were taken into account in determining the effect of fluoxetine on patients, which included health care costs, lost wages and travel costs, co-morbidity costs, lost productivity costs, and lost income costs (Antonuccio et al, 1997). However, the most telling item was the health care cost.

The health care cost quantitatively compared the dollar difference between therapy that was drug centered and psychotherapy centered. The study describes the length of time the treatment will take place. "In the model, all treatments are delivered over a 2-year period. It is assumed that CBT (cognitive based therapy) is delivered weekly for 15 weeks followed by 5 booster sessions over the remaining period" (Antonuccio et al, 1997). The cost of fluoxetine is then compared to the cost of CBT. "Fluoxetine is charged at $2.49 per 20 mg pill. It is assumed that the typical patient will take 2 pills per day and see a psychiatrist once every 6 weeks. It is assumed that a psychiatrist charges $70 for a typical 30-minute outpatient medication management visit" (Antonuccio ET al, 1997).

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