Multiple recurrences of major depressive disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The authors of this study examined multiple recurrences of unipolar major depressive disorder.


METHODS
A total of 318 subjects with unipolar major depressive disorder were prospectively followed for 10 years within a multicenter naturalistic study. Survival analytic techniques were used to examine the probability of recurrence after recovery from the index episode.


RESULTS
The mean number of episodes of major depression per year of follow-up was 0. 21, and nearly two-thirds of the subjects suffered at least one recurrence. The number of lifetime episodes of major depression was significantly associated with the probability of recurrence, such that the risk of recurrence increased by 16% with each successive recurrence. The risk of recurrence progressively decreased as the duration of recovery increased. Within subjects, there was very little consistency in the time to recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Major depressive disorder is a highly recurrent illness. The risk of the recurrence of major depressive disorder progressively increases with each successive episode and decreases as the duration of recovery increases.
Solomon
D A
DA
Mood Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903-4970, USA. DASolomon@lifespan.org
Keller
M B
MB
Leon
A C
AC
Mueller
T I
TI
Lavori
P W
PW
Shea
M T
MT
Coryell
W
W
Warshaw
M
M
Turvey
C
C
Maser
J D
JD
Endicott
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D008094:Lithium