Depression's natural course
First episode usually occurs during late teens or early 20s.
- can occur in children and for the first time in middle-aged or elderly people, particularly following a major loss such as the death of the spouse;
85% depression is recurrent:
- depression is a chronic relapsing and remitting illness;
- lifelong chronic treatment is usually required.
- the lifetime cumulative risk of suicide in depressed patients ranges from 10-15%.
How long does each depressive episode last?
65% resolves within 6 months;
75% resolves within 1 year;
20% remain depressed for 2 years;
10% remain depressed for 5 years.
In the vast majority of cases, depression is considered an episodic illness with intermittent periods of complete normalcy punctuated by several major depressive episodes spread over a person's life.