Skip to content

If you may be in danger, call or text 988. Call 911 for emergencies.

More crisis resources
DepressionResource.org
Part of The Shrink NetworkDepression. Understood.

This entry in the Shrink Network

Practical (DepressionResource) Library (Shrinkopedia) · PsychiatryRx (medication) · shrinkMD (care)

Diagnosis and clinical terms

Relapse

Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, board-certified psychiatrist and the reviewer of this article.

Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA·Updated March 15, 2026·About 3 minutes

About this term

Sources

  • Frank E, Prien RF, Jarrett RB, et al. Conceptualization and rationale for consensus definitions of terms in major depressive disorder: remission, recovery, relapse, and recurrence. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1991.
  • Geddes JR, et al. Relapse prevention with antidepressant drug treatment in depressive disorders: a systematic review. Lancet. 2003.
  • American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder.

Primary source: NIMH: Depression.

Frequently asked questions

What does relapse mean in depression?
Relapse is the return of a depressive episode after a period of improvement but before full recovery is established (usually within the first six months of remission). Recurrence is the term for a new episode after full recovery. Both are common and are tracked in treatment planning.
How common is relapse and recurrence?
After a first episode of major depressive disorder, the lifetime risk of recurrence is about 50 percent. After two episodes the risk rises to about 70 percent, and after three episodes to about 90 percent (APA Practice Guideline). This is why ongoing care matters even after recovery.
What are the early warning signs of relapse?
Common early signs include changes in sleep that return, loss of interest in activities that had been enjoyable again, increasing isolation, slipping on basic routines, and the return of guilt or hopelessness thoughts. A written list of personal early signs, shared with a clinician and a trusted person at home, is one of the most useful relapse prevention tools.
How is relapse prevented?
Continuing antidepressants for at least six to twelve months after symptoms resolve, structured maintenance therapy when indicated, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for patients with three or more prior episodes, sleep regularity, regular movement, and a written relapse plan all have evidence.
What should I do if I think I'm relapsing?
Contact your prescriber or therapist promptly. Restarting or adjusting treatment early in a relapse is more effective and faster than waiting for a full episode to develop. If suicidal thoughts return with intent or a plan, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.

See where this fits in the Depression Hub on Shrinkopedia →

Related on the network

Related on Shrinkopedia →Related on DepressionResource →Related at shrinkMD →

Last reviewed March 15, 2026.

The Knowledge Path

Walk this topic outward.

  1. GLOSSARYRelapseCurrent
  2. MAPDepression Maps
  3. SYMPTOMSymptoms
  4. TYPETypes of depression
  5. HUBDepression Hub on Shrinkopedia

The Knowledge Path is a curated walk. Every step is one decision away from the next.

Your next step in The Shrink Network

You are here: DepressionResource, the depression-specific layer of The Shrink Network.

Each site in the network has one job. No matter where you enter, we help you find the next step that makes sense.

Consider clinical evaluation at shrinkMD

Want to understand more first?

Every clinical page on DepressionResource.org is written in plain language, dated, and reviewed by a board-certified psychiatrist against current clinical guidelines. See our editorial standards and medical review process.