Problems encountered with the use of simulation in an attempt to enhance interpretation of a secondary data source in epidemiologic mental health research

Table 1 Available data in the NPHS, and associated measures of greater salience to practice

Concept	Available NPHS measure	More salient measure
Episode duration	Weeks depressed in past year	Episode duration*
Recurrence pattern	Episodes present during initial and subsequent cycles	Recurrence risk or rate**

* for example, mean or median episode duration, or the proportion of episodes having a duration falling within a specific range of weeks depressed
** for example, the proportion recovering from an episode who experience a recurrence within a specified interval of time.

ISSN: 1756-0500