Implementing Guideline-Based Strategies to Avoid Relapse and Recurrence in Depression

Nonremission of depression has serious psychiatric, medical, and neurobiological repercussions. Problems that contribute to nonremission include lack of an accurate diagnosis, complex illness presentations, and lack of early response to therapy. The use of measurement-based care, which incorporates rating scales, guidelines, and algorithms, can increase the probability that patients will achieve full remission, avoid relapse and recurrence, and return to normal functioning.