Beyond Acute Treatment of Depressive Disorders

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Find more articles on this and other psychiatry and CNS topics:
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders

Depression is a long-term illness, and most patients require ongoing treatment to prevent recurrence. Three phases of therapy are needed to effectively treat depression—acute, continuation, and maintenance therapy. Patients who receive therapy beyond the acute phase have better outcomes than those who discontinue treatment; however, data about continuation and maintenance treatments are scarce. By continuously monitoring patients and making modifications when necessary, clinicians can help patients achieve and sustain remission.