Predictors of relapse in major depressive disorder

JAMA. 1983 Dec;250(24):3299-304.

Abstract

Risk of relapse into an affective episode was high in the months immediately after recovery from a major depressive disorder (MDD) in 141 subjects with nonbipolar depression, without a preexisting dysthymic disorder. The probability of relapse then declined steadily during the duration of the follow-up (median follow-up, 62 weeks from recovery). In patients entering the study during their first affective episode, the Research Diagnostic Criteria secondary subtype of MDD and an older age of onset predicted a significantly greater likelihood of relapse. Three or more prior episodes of depression predicted a significantly shorter time to the first and second prospectively observed relapses and, thus, a significantly greater likelihood of subsequent multiple affective episodes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Probability
  • Recurrence
  • Risk
  • Socioeconomic Factors