How long does it usually take to gradually recover after one episode of depression relapse?
Generally, it takes about three months for a person to gradually recover after a single recurrence of depression; however, if the condition is more severe, recovery may take approximately one year.
Depression is a mental disorder characterized clinically by persistent and prolonged low mood. Symptoms may include depressed mood, slowed thinking, reduced volitional activity, cognitive impairment, and physical symptoms. The condition is associated with factors such as sudden life events, genetics, and psychological stress. Generally, if a patient's condition is not serious, recovery from a single relapse may occur gradually within about three months. However, if the illness is more severe, treatment becomes more challenging and requires a longer duration, so it may take around one year for gradual recovery after a recurrence.
During treatment, patients should take medications such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets or duloxetine hydrochloride enteric-coated capsules under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, because depression tends to recur, timely follow-up visits at the hospital are necessary.