Clinical depression

Clinical depression is a health condition of depression with mental and physical components reaching criteria generally accepted by clinicians.

Relapse

Relapse is more likely if treatment has not resulted in the full remission of symptoms.4 In fact, current guidelines for antidepressant use recommend 4 to 6 months of continuing treatment following symptom resolution to prevent relapse of depression.

Related Topics:
Relapse - 4

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Combined evidence from many randomised controlled trials indicates that continuing antidepressant medications after recovery substantially reduces (halves) the chances of relapse. This preventative effect probably lasts for at least the first 36 months of use.{{ref|oldref_7}}

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Some anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that chronic disease is accompanied by relapses after prolonged treatment with antidepressants (Tachyphylaxis). Psychiatric texts suggest that physicians respond to this by increasing dosage, complementing the medication with a different class, or changing the medication class entirely. The reason for relapse in these cases is as poorly understood as the change in brain physiology induced by the medications themselves. Possible reasons may include ageing of the brain or worsening of the condition. Most SSRI psychiatric medications were developed for short term use (a year or less), but are widely prescribed for indefinite periods.http://cms.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-19990301-000032.html

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