Does Incomplete Recovery From First Lifetime Major Depressive Episode Herald a Chronic Course of Illness?

This study investigated the influence of incomplete recovery from first lifetime major depressive episodes on long-term outcome. After their first lifetime major depressive episode, patients were divided into asymptomatic & residual subthreshold depressive symptom recovery groups & compared on longitudinal course during up to 12 years of follow-up. Results indicated that the residual subthreshold group scored significantly higher than the asymptomatic group only on scores for suicidal ideation & behaviour. (9 refs)