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Different from a relapse, a recurrence is a new episode of depression that comes after six months of being treated and symptoms have been alleviated.

Depression Recurrence

Though similar, depression relapse and recurrence are different.  However, research has shown that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy practices that are useful in preventing depression relapse care also successful in preventing depression recurrence.

Relating the Research to Depression Recurrence 

The likelihood of experiencing a subsequent episode of major depressive disorder increases with each new occurrence. After a single episode, there is a 50% to 60% chance of having a second one. This probability rises to 70% for a third episode after two have occurred, and it further increases to 90% for a fourth episode after three have occurred.

Recurrence Rates of Major Depressive Disorder

Analyze the following clinical scenario and determine the appropriate term for the patient's current condition, explaining your reasoning based on the provided details.

Clinical Scenario: Identifying a New Depressive Episode

A patient was successfully treated for a major depressive episode and remained completely symptom-free for eight months. After this period of wellness, the patient began to experience a new, distinct period of deep sadness and loss of interest in their usual activities. How would this new onset of symptoms most accurately be classified?

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