Prognosis

Complete remission of symptoms and return to normal functioning are the therapy goals. For patients in their first episode of depression, treatment to remission may take up to several months and should be continued for a minimum of 9 to 12 months after remission.[165][322]​ Depression lasting more than 12 months occurs in approximately 12% of patients according to community studies, and in up to 61% of patients treated in secondary care.[467]

Depression may be intermittent and recurrent across the lifespan.[468] For patients who are established on antidepressants clinical guidance supports consideration of prolonged antidepressant treatment and psychological therapy for relapse prevention, either alone or in combination.[165][332]

Depression recurs in about one third of patients within 1 year of discontinuing treatment and in more than 50% of patients during their lifetime.[39] Evidence that antidepressants can prevent relapse is unclear.​[469] After 15 years, 87% will experience a recurrence. For patients with multiple recurrent depressive episodes, many experts advocate long-term maintenance therapy.[332]

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