What is recurrent depression?

Depression...again: Recurrent depression means that a person has had more than one episode of depression. When people seek treatment for depression for the 1st time, about 25% will remit and never have a recurrent episode. Another 50% will have at least one additional recurrence but recover with treatment. And about 25% will go on to have "treatment resistant depression". Those numbers are very rough, though.

Repeat depression: Recurrent depression is reoccuring bout of depression years after the initial depression has been treated. The most effective treatment is cognitive behavior therapy to identify the irrational belief system, restructure thinking, learn new coping strategies, and medication.

Repeated Episodes : Recurrent depression means repeating or "recurring" episodes of significant depression. These episodes may occur after previous episodes have been treated, or they may disappear on their own and then come back in the absence of treatment.

See your doctor: If you had depression previously and responded to treatment, by all means see your doctor. If your depression didn't respond to treatment but remitted (went away spontaneously) there are new options available for treatment resistant depression.

Seek treatment: If your recurrent depression lasts more than two weeks for each episode with the expected symptoms, then it is best to seek treatment through therapy and/or medications depending on severity. After about the third bout of major depression, there is a greater chance of developing a subsequent depression and lifelong medication treatment may be necessary to prevent future episodes.

Symptom recognition: Learn to recognize the symptoms of depression. Keeping up with your routines before, during and after your symptoms occur is also very important. Routine helps person to bring the sense of predictability in the environment. It is important to stay on medication that you're prescribed and keep in touch with your counselor. It is also important to report any changes you experience to your providers.