When a depression relapse occurs, treatment such as medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or ECT for depression can help a person to recover.
Though people who receivedepression treatmentmay experience a significant reduction of their symptoms, a depression relapse is still possible over time. In fact,research showsthat almost half of people who discontinue treatment for depression will relapse within a few months. While depression relapse statistics show that this condition is likely, there are steps people can take to prevent depression from returning.
What Is Depression Relapse?
Most depression relapse definitions are similar, and each provides additional information about what this type of relapse looks like. According tomedical professionals, relapse occurs when a person returns to meeting the full diagnostic criteria for depression after being in remission. In other words, a depression relapse is when someone becomes depressed again after feeling better for a period of time.
Signs of a Depression Relapse
Since a relapse means a return to depression, depression relapse symptoms are the same as those associated withmajor depressive disorder. A person who has relapsed into depression may also have thoughts of suicide or feel hopeless or worthless.
Common signs of a depression relapse:
- A lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Eating more or less than usual
- Changes in weight
- A persistent mood of unhappiness
- Low energy levels
- Moving more slowly than normal
- Feeling physically uncomfortable without any medical reason
- Irritability or anxiety
Feelings of depression or anxiety can lead to suicidal thinking.If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, call theNational Suicide Prevention Hotlineat1-800-273-8255.
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Common Relapse Triggers
Certaindepression relapse triggerscan increase a person’s risk of returning to depression. These can include any of the following:
Stressful life events:
Family history of depression:
Discontinuing treatment:
Other medical conditions:
Preventing Depression Relapse
A depression relapse prevention plan can help reduce the risk of recurrence. A person may develop a plan with a counselor before ending regular treatment sessions, and it can include a list of relapse triggers, signs of relapse and tools for coping with stressors. Being able to recognize signs of an impending relapse can help a person prevent a full relapse from occurring.
Arelapse prevention planmay include beneficial activities, such as regular exercise, meditation or spending time with friends. It may also include a list of steps to take if signs of relapse appear.
The Importance of Maintenance Treatment
A depression relapse prevention plan should also include maintenance treatment. This might include monthly check-ins with a therapist. Medication is also an important component of maintenance treatment. Because mostantidepressants are effective for preventing depressionrelapse, continuing to take medication under the supervision of a doctor can be important for long-term recovery from depression.
Related Topic:High functioning depression treatment
Treating a Depression Relapse
For people experiencing the return of depression symptoms, it is important to know how to cope with depression relapse. Various therapies and treatments are effective fortreating depression.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a common treatment for depression. It is effective because it helps people change negative ways of thinking.
- Interpersonal Therapy: Ininterpersonal therapy for depression, a person explores relationships that may be contributing to the condition.
- Medication: Depression medicationscan help by having apositive effect on brain chemicals that are responsible for mood and stress.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): When medications and therapy are not beneficial, ECT for depression may be an option.
