Prevention of relapse and recurrence of depression: newer versus older antidepressants

Abstract

In a 17- to 19-year follow-up study it was shown that patients admitted to the Maudsley Hospital, London (whose index episode marked their first psychiatric contact) had a 50% chance of readmission during their lifetime; those with previous admissions had a similar chance of readmission within three years. Less than one-fifth of the patients had remained well, and over one-third suffered severe chronic distress and handicap or had died unnaturally (Lee & Murray, 1988). Similar gloomy pictures were reported in a 15-year follow-up study of patients in London and Sydney (Kilohet al, 1988) and an 11-year follow-up study of patients in Montreal (Lehmannet al, 1988). As a result of such findings, much emphasis is now put on the importance of continuation and maintenance treatment of depression.