Is depression prone to recurrence?

Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

Updated on May 03, 2025

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Depression is a disease with a high incidence rate, so in clinical practice, the treatment of depression requires systematic standardization, adequate dosages, and full courses of treatment, and it is also a disease with a high cure rate. After standardized systemic treatment, a cure rate of over 85% can be achieved. However, nearly 50% of the patients may relapse one year after undergoing standardized treatment. Therefore, during the treatment process, not only pharmacotherapy is needed but also psychotherapy and self-adjustment methods. A comprehensive and systematic treatment can ultimately improve the cure rate of patients, reduce the recurrence rate, and effectively treat the disease.

Other Voices

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

1min 3sec

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Where to get a diagnosis for depression?

The diagnosis of depression often recommends consulting with a psychiatry or psychology department for confirmation. Clinically, depression is categorized as a mental and psychological disorder, primarily characterized by low mood, slow thinking, and reduced willpower. Patients usually lack interest and pleasure, feel fatigued, self-blame, valuelessness, incapability, have low self-esteem, and poor concentration. They often feel that life is meaningless, harboring thoughts or behaviors of self-harm and suicide. They view the future as bleak, sad, helpless, and hopeless. Patients generally exhibit poor eating and sleeping habits, and there is a noticeable decline in sexual function. Therefore, in clinical settings, if the aforementioned symptoms persist for over two weeks and interfere with work, study, daily life, social, and occupational functions, a clear diagnosis is required to develop a treatment plan involving medication, psychotherapy, and physical therapy.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

52sec

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Will postpartum depression get better?

Postpartum depression can also be recovered to a normal state, usually taking about one to two years. Women are prone to depression after childbirth due to high stress or emotional stimulation. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on relaxing and avoiding excessive tension or stress when experiencing postpartum depression. Additionally, the support and companionship of family members and husbands are necessary to help improve the condition of postpartum depression. It is also important for the new mother to feel secure, to rest adequately, and to enhance nutrition in the diet, including consuming foods rich in protein and vitamins. It is essential to avoid staying up late and to prevent any stimulation, especially in patients who generally have lower psychological resilience.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

58sec

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Can mild depression recur?

Patients with mild depression also have the possibility of relapse. Clinical research investigations have found that systematic antidepressant treatment can lead to clinical recovery in 85% of patients. However, even with persistent and standardized treatment, nearly one-fifth of patients still experience relapse. This signifies that some patients may have a relapse rate exceeding 70% if they cease treatment. For those who recover, there is still a one-fifth chance of relapse within six months, and nearly half might relapse within two years after the initial episode. Therefore, relapse is a significant challenge for depression patients. Thus, treatment should be systematic and standard, including pharmacotherapy. Additionally, psychotherapy plays a crucial role in treating depression by improving patients' irrational cognitive patterns and adjusting their cognitive reconstruction systems, ultimately achieving a healed state.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

56sec

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What is the depressive mood of depression like?

Patients with depression primarily exhibit symptoms of low mood. They often experience persistent sadness and pessimism. Patients might find it difficult to feel happy, appear gloomy, and are unable to experience joy, particularly in activities that they used to find interesting. In severe cases, they might feel hopeless, in despair, and have thoughts of death, leading to an overwhelming sense that each day is unbearably long. Furthermore, patients might feel that life isn't worth living and that their existence has no meaning, which can lead to thoughts or actions of suicide or self-harm. In this emotional state, their self-evaluation is also typically low; they might feel utterly worthless, viewing themselves as a burden on their family and a parasite in society. Thus, feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, despair, and self-blame are significantly more pronounced.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

52sec

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Is depression hereditary?

Depression has a certain hereditary tendency. Studies involving large samples have found that if first-degree relatives of patients with depression have the disorder, the incidence of the disease in their offspring is significantly higher than in the general population. Additionally, studies on twins have shown that the concordance rate of depression in monozygotic twins is significantly higher than in dizygotic twins. Research in genetic studies has revealed that depression is a polygenic disorder. Therefore, it is possible for offspring of parents with depression not to inherit the disease. The onset of depression is often influenced by genetic factors, biochemical factors, and various social and psychological factors. Thus, the genetic probability of developing depression is generally higher than in the general population.