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.
Abstract Teaser