Predictors of Course (Prognosis) of Depression
The chances that an episode of Major Depression will resolve fully with treatment after 1 year are lower if any of the following conditions are present [ref, ref]:
- The episode endures for 6 months or more
- The episode is severe
- The person is female
- The Major Depressive Episode is superimposed on a Dysthymia (called Double Depression)
- There are significant problems in the way the person's family functions
- The person has had at least 2 previous hospitalizations for Depression
- The person's Major Depressive Episode occurs at a younger age (in a person's 20's)
- There are psychotic symptoms in the Depressive episode
- The person also suffers from another psychiatric disorder, such as an Anxiety Disorder or a Personality Disorder.
- The person also suffers from a general medical condition
- The person's personality is characterized by high levels of Neuroticism
After a Major Depressive Episode has resolved, the chances of another one occurring within 5 years are increased if any of the following conditions are present [ref]:
- Lingering depressive symptoms (sub-syndromal symptoms) remain even after the episode improves
- The person has had three of more Depressive Episodes in the past
- The person is female
- The episode of Depression that ended had been chronic, or at least endured for more than 6 months
- The episode of Depression that ended had included psychotic symptoms.
- The person has never been married
- The person has a Borderline or Dependent Personality Disorder