Unfortunately, depression often recurs even after successful treatment, with studies indicating that approximately 50% of individuals who recover from a first episode of major depressive disorder (MDD) will experience at least one more incident in their lifetime.
This risk increases with each subsequent episode. About 70% of those with two episodes will have another recurrence, and up to 90% of individuals with three or more episodes will likely experience further recurrences.
Several factors, including the severity of the initial episode, early age of onset, incomplete recovery, and the presence of other mental or medical conditions, influence the likelihood of relapse. For instance, individuals with severe or psychotic depression have a higher chance of recurrence.
While the term “cured” suggests a permanent resolution, depression is often a chronic condition with periods of remission and reappearance. Nevertheless, there are multiple signs that your mental health is improving.
Ongoing treatment and monitoring can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of future episodes. Continuing antidepressant medications after recovery can reduce the chance of relapses by 70%.
As someone who has had multiple depressive episodes, I was interested in how often relapses happen. That’s why I did some digging into what the research and studies have to say.
When does depression come back?
The timing of recurrence also varies.
Research indicates that, on average, 20% of individuals may experience a recurrence within the first six months after recovery, with the risk decreasing over time: 19% in the following six months, 15% in months 13–18, and continuing to decline thereafter.
Additionally, studies have shown that among individuals who relapse, the majority (79%) do so within the first six months after treatment.
It’s also important to note that each recurrence carries a 10–20% risk of becoming unremitting and chronic.
Conclusion
These statistics highlight the importance of ongoing treatment and monitoring to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of future episodes.
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