Recurrent depression and relapse prevention

One of the main clinical features of depression disorders is its recurrent course. After a first major depressive episode, more than 50% of patients will relapse. Moreover, the relapse rate increases after each episode and the best predictor of the relapse's risk is the number of previous episodes. Up to 80% of the patients who are treated for major depression will respond to treatment but only 50% will reach a complete remission or recovery. About 30% of the patients will have a partial remission and the persistence of depressive residual symptoms increases the risk of relapse. Therefore, the treatment of depressive episode should be oriented towards a complete remission or recovery. Moreover, prevention strategies should be systematically considered while treating a depressive episode, especially for patients with an increased risk of relapse.