Depressive relapses and incomplete recovery from index episode.
Of 101 patients suffering from primary unipolar depression who were followed up for at least 1 year after recovery from the index episode, 51 relapsed into a new depressive episode within the year of recovery. Only those variables related to the period immediately after discharge distinguished nonrelapsers from relapsers; relapsers showed higher levels of residual symptoms, inferior social adaptation, a more pathological mean personality profile, and lower tricyclic plasma levels, despite similar dosage. The data are consistent with the hypothesis of an incomplete recovery from the index episode as a risk factor for relapse within 1 year.
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality; D012008:Recurrence; D012306:Risk; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013997:Time Factors
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic