Residual Symptoms and the Risk of Relapse in Major Depression

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The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders

Numerous treatments exist today to help patients who suffer from major depressive disorder, which is one of the world’s leading causes of disability. However, limitations to these first-line treatments exist. Due to these limitations, some patients may not reach remission after acute treatment, potentially causing them to relapse back into a depressive state. Residual depressive symptoms also impact patients’ workplace functioning and interpersonal relationships. Clinicians should consider the numerous possible reasons for inadequate response to treatment and decide whether to switch medications or augment. While many patients do experience recovery from depression, the limitations of current first-line treatments show a need for new antidepressant therapy that is safe and effective.