Can depression recur?

Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Relapse in patients with depression is a relatively common issue in clinical practice. Large-scale studies have found that even with systematic, standardized treatment with sufficient dosage and duration of antidepressant medications, still 15% of patients do not achieve clinical recovery. Even with persistent standardized treatment, the relapse rate remains at 20%. If treatment is discontinued, the relapse rate can rise to as high as 85%. For patients who have recovered, there is still a 20% chance of relapse within six months. 50% of patients relapse within two years after their first episode. Therefore, the relapse rate is higher in patients over the age of 45. Thus, depression is characterized by a high rate of relapse, yet it is also highly treatable. Therefore, during the course of pharmacological treatment, psychological and physical therapies should be concurrently employed as adjunctive treatments to improve cure rates and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
1min 9sec home-news-image

How to explain mild depression

During the guidance process for patients with mild depression, cognitive behavioral therapy can be used. Cognitively speaking, the patient's low mood is caused by negative cognitions about themselves, the world, and the future, which we call the cognitive triad. They feel incompetent, worthless, and disliked in regards to themselves. They perceive the world as incapable or negative. Regarding the future, they feel unable to succeed and see themselves as failures, among other expressions. Therefore, the patient exhibits irrational and distorted cognitions. By observing these irrational cognitive patterns, we guide the patient to look for evidence, seek alternative explanations, make predictions, judgments, and responses, and resolve internal conflicts of thoughts through reality check methods, ultimately alleviating low moods. Additionally, behavioral methods, such as organizing a good life schedule and engaging in interesting activities, can also be used to enhance the patient's sense of pleasure and control, thereby improving their mood and ultimately achieving therapeutic effects.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can postpartum depression breastfeed?

When postpartum depression occurs, it is possible to continue breastfeeding. If the depression is mild and no medication is taken, continuing breastfeeding will not affect the baby's growth and development. However, depression often leads to low spirits, frequent crying, and a reluctance to care for the child, which can affect milk secretion and lead to a reduction in milk supply that may not meet the baby's growth needs. In such cases, it may be necessary to add supplementary food or formula. If postpartum depression is severe and involves medication, these medications may enter the baby's body through the breast milk, which can affect the baby's health. Therefore, if postpartum depression occurs and medication is taken, breastfeeding should be stopped. (Note: The answer is for reference only. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and blind medication should be avoided.)

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
1min 13sec home-news-image

Do patients with mild depression need to be hospitalized?

Patients with mild depression can choose inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. The main decision depends on the communication between the patient, their family, and medical professionals. Patients with mild depression have relatively mild depressive symptoms, so psychological therapy is primarily used, with pharmacotherapy and physical therapy serving as supplementary treatments. Psychological therapy mainly employs cognitive-behavioral therapy to improve the patient’s unreasonable beliefs and alleviate emotional stress. This includes identifying automatic thoughts, recognizing the irrationality of cognition, and employing reality testing, ultimately aiming to improve the patient's symptoms. Pharmacological treatment primarily uses serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and patients can adhere to a regular medication schedule at home during outpatient treatment periods. Physical therapy consists mainly of transcranial magnetic stimulation, which can be administered either as an outpatient or inpatient treatment. The final treatment choice should involve comprehensive communication with the patient's family and physicians to make an informed decision.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
1min 5sec home-news-image

How to alleviate mild depression?

Mild depression can be managed clinically through self-adjustment and psychotherapy. Self-adjustment includes exercise, shifting focus, or verbal expression. Exercise is a very effective and quick way to alleviate depression by stimulating the brain to release endorphins, which have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects. Additionally, diverting attention to activities of particular interest can enhance pleasure and motivate improvements. Furthermore, expressing one's depressive feelings through speech can also alleviate symptoms of mild depression. Moreover, psychotherapy mainly involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aims to continuously improve or correct irrational cognitive patterns and rebuild the cognitive system to effectively treat depression. This is a common approach in treating depression; medication adjustments, such as the use of new antidepressants, are also viable options. (Please follow professional medical advice before using any medication and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

In cases of postpartum depression, women primarily exhibit emotional excitability, as well as anxiety, feelings of helplessness, guilt, and concerns about being unable to support their child. Severe cases may involve fears of the child suffering in the world, leading to infanticidal actions, and even suicide. This condition generally occurs more frequently in women who have a history of mental illness. Following childbirth, due to physical discomfort, emotional instability, and factors such as sleep disturbances, these adverse reactions are likely to be exacerbated.