How long can it take for a major depressive disorder patient to get well?

4-6 weeks: Getting "well" is actually pretty vague. Most people have responded somewhat by 4-6 weeks, but in the interest of people not losing hope and giving up, if I do no see some response by 3 weeks, i change agents or augment. 50% of people that remit from their first spell get another , 60-80 of that portion get a third, and after a third, there is more than 90% chance of recurrence so tx ongoing.

It depends: This depends on the treatment you're getting and how well you're taking care of yourself too. Taking medications consistently; staying away from toxins; participating in psychotherapy; exercising regularly; eating healthy; replenishing nutrients like b12, folate, (folic acid) and omega 3's. Feeling better can happen in weeks to months. Really getting well is a longer journey of healing your life.