How long does the risk of relapse last after depression?

After the first episode, the risk of relapse within 10 years is about 50%. After two episodes, it's above 70%. After three, it's over 90%. Therefore, it's important not to stop prevention after recovery. For recurrent depression, psychiatrists often recommend long-term maintenance therapy.

Should antidepressants be taken after recovery to prevent relapse?

This decision is made individually with a psychiatrist. For a first episode, it is recommended to continue antidepressants for at least 6–12 months after recovery. For two or more episodes, long-term maintenance therapy is possible. Self-discontinuation without consulting a doctor significantly increases the risk of relapse.

Depression Relapse: How to Prevent It and What to Do If It Returns

After a first episode of depression, the risk of relapse is around 50%. After two episodes, this figure rises to over 70%. Here's how to recognize the early signs of a relapse and what helps prevent it.

🌿psybot.app·June 19, 2026·2 min read

“I’m already better — I’ve come out of depression.” This relief is real and well-deserved. But it’s precisely at this moment that it’s important not to relax completely: depression is a disorder with a high risk of relapse.

Good news: relapse can be foreseen, and it can be prevented. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Relapse Statistics

After the first episode, risk of relapse within 10 years: ~50%
After two episodes: >70%
After three or more: >90%

This is not a cause for panic — it’s a reason for conscious prevention.

2. Factors Increasing Relapse Risk

Early discontinuation of treatment. Self-discontinuation of antidepressants or stopping therapy immediately after improvement is one of the main triggers.
Incomplete remission. If residual symptoms (mild anxiety, sleep disturbances) remain after “recovery,” the risk of relapse is significantly higher.
Chronic stress. Especially if the circumstances that triggered the first episode have not changed.
Lack of social support.
Sleep and routine disturbances.

3. Early Signs of Approaching Relapse

Everyone has their own “harbingers.” It’s important to know them. Common early signals:

Sleep disturbances (early awakenings or hypersomnia)
Decreased interest in things usually enjoyed
Increasing fatigue without an apparent reason
Social avoidance — less desire to communicate
Negative thoughts about oneself, the future, the world
Decreased concentration
Irritability

4. Create a Personal “Safety Plan”

With your therapist or on your own, describe:

Your personal early warning signs of relapse
Situations and stressors that increase your risk
What helped you last time
Who you will call at the first signs (therapist, psychiatrist, trusted person)

5. Relapse Prevention: What Works

Supportive psychotherapy — regular sessions (every 2–4 weeks) after remission reduce the risk of relapse
MBCT (Mindfulness-CBT) — specifically designed for relapse prevention. Reduces risk by 40–50% with three or more episodes
Maintenance antidepressants — as prescribed by a psychiatrist
Sleep routine and physical activity — basic but critically important
Condition monitoring — regularly (once a week) assess your mood on a scale of 1–10

Don't wait for a crisis. If something changes — contact psybot.app or your specialist sooner. Read also: How to overcome depression: an action plan.

← All articles: Depression & Apathy