The goal of treating depression is full remission of symptoms. This means back to normal functioning, not just improvement. The next goal is prevention of relapse. The risk of relapse is significantly increased if treatment only results in partial recovery from symptoms. For recurring major depression, even when treated to full remission, reducing the dose of medication increases relapse.
A three year follow-up study of a group of patients showed these relapse rates:
• 20% on full dose medication
• 50% on 1/2 dose medication
• 80% on placebo
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