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A clinical trial tests an antidepressant medication on 500 participants with depression. Overall results show the medication reduces depressive symptoms by an average of 8 points on a 50-point scale (p < 0.001). However, when stratified by baseline cortisol level (a stress hormone):

  • Low baseline cortisol (n = 350): symptom reduction of 11 points
  • High baseline cortisol (n = 150): symptom reduction of 2 points (not significant)

Which statement most accurately describes the clinical implication?