Recurrent depression (aka unipolar disorder) is a type of depression in which the symptoms of depressed mood appear and disappear alternately, undergoing temporary remission. With each recurrence of an episode of depression, the risk of another episode of depression increases, and its course is even more severe. Check out how to treat recurrent depression.
Recurrent depressionis one of the forms of depressive disorders. From the so-called major depression (a single episode that occurs for a given person for the first time in life) differs by its heterogeneous course - periods of well-being are interspersed with episodes of low mood, each of which has more severe symptoms.
One of the greatest dangers of recurring depression is the increased risk of suicide in patients affected by this form of the disease. According to estimates, 20% of people suffering from recurrent depression take their own lives.
Recurrent depression - symptoms
The symptoms of recurrent depression do not differ significantly from the symptoms of a major depressive episode. Their difference results from a greater or lesser intensity: the patient may feel terrible for several months, but as a result of treatment, his well-being may improve. This state, however, only lasts for a while, because the depressive symptoms reappear, and they come back with redoubled strength. With each subsequent occurrence of symptoms, they become more severe and more difficult for the patient to bear. The life of a person suffering from this type of depression begins to resemble a sine wave - periods of good or moderate well-being are intertwined with episodes of depression.
Unfortunately, the risk of recurrence of depression increases with each episode. In the case of the first, single episode in life, it is 50%, which means that only in half of patients the disease goes into final remission and will never come back. If there is a second episode, the chance of a second episode is already 70%, and when it comes to a third episode, 90% of the patient will have to face depression once again.
Recurrent depression - diagnosis
The diagnosis of recurrent depression can be made if the patient:
- has had at least 2 depressive episodes in his life
- has not experienced manic symptoms (mania, hypomania) before
- did not experience euphoric, ecstatic states(episodes of depression were interspersed with periods of moderate well-being)
If a patient experiences at least one manic episode, the doctor should diagnose bipolar disorder (BD), not recurrent depression.
Worth knowingUnipolar and Bipolar Affective Disorder
Recurrent depression is also called unipolar disorder because mood changes are only directed towards one pole (depression). In turn, bipolar disorder consists in the alternation of depressive and manic episodes (elevated mood), hence the term "bipolar".
Recurrent depression treatment
In the case of recurrent depression, it is very difficult to achieve complete remission of the disease. Treatment with antidepressants is usually not effective enough to prevent another episode from occurring. To some extent, the chances of a complete recovery are increased if the patient has been taking antidepressants for more than 6 months (this is usually the minimum duration of therapy). However, the doctor should decide on the total time of treatment.
Recurrent depression - risk groups
People over 50 are most likely to develop recurrent depression. With each decade of life, the risk of a depressive episode recurring increases. Women suffer from this disease more often. The development of recurrent depression is also determined by genetic factors - in the case of first-degree kinship with a sick person, the chances of developing depression in their descendants are about 15-30%. Another factor that activates the disease can be a stressful event - e.g. death of a loved one, accident, illness, dismissal.