Depression may not be completely “cured” in some cases, but with proper treatment, such as therapy and medications, many people are able to manage it effectively and lead fulfilling lives. This mental health disorder is one of the most common and, at the same time, one of the most misunderstood.
Over the years, many people have lived with this condition, wondering if they will ever be able to overcome it completely. To resolve the question about the duration of each clinical condition, do not miss this PsychologyFor article, we will provide you with information about whether depression never cures. Discover if it is possible to achieve a full life despite it.
Is it possible that depression will never be cured?
From a professional perspective, the answer to whether depression is “never cured” depends on how we define “cure” and the individual characteristics of each case. Depression is a multifactorial condition that involves biological, psychological and social aspects. Not all people experience it in the same way, and its evolution varies widely.
In clinical practice, many experts consider that depression, especially in its recurrent or chronic form, It doesn’t always go away completely, but it can be managed effectively. This means that even if someone has had depressive episodes in the past, they can learn to prevent relapse and live fully with therapeutic support, medication (if necessary) and lifestyle changes.
Depression is considered chronic when symptoms persist for a long period of timegenerally more than two years in adultswithout significant remission. This diagnosis, known clinically as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia, involves a constant depressed mood that can vary in intensity, but never completely disappears over long periods.
Meanwhile, the children and adolescents They may suffer from chronic depression if they show symptoms for a year. According to the DSM-V, depressive disorders have a series of diagnostic criteria that must be met:
Depressed mood for much of the day.
Persistent fatigue or lack of energy.
Exacerbated feeling of guilt.
Catastrophic thoughts related to death.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia).
Changes in appetite (weight gain or loss).
It is important to know that the diagnosis must be made by a mental health professional who has the necessary training and experience to treat the person. In this sense, we suggest going to a mental health center and avoiding self-medication.
What happens if my depression doesn’t go away?
If your depression doesn’t improve, it’s important not to lose hope or give up. It may be treatment-resistant depression, requiring adjustments in the therapeutic approach. Some options in these cases are:
Reevaluate the diagnosis: There could be underlying factors such as anxiety, medical disorders, or substance abuse.
Change or combine treatments: Adjusting medications, trying other types of psychological therapy, or combining approaches can be effective.
Alternative therapies: Methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are used in severe cases.
Specialized support: Seeking a mental health specialist or a second opinion can open up new possibilities.
Untreated depression can worsen quality of life, but there are multiple paths to improvement. The important thing is to seek constant help.
How many people recover from depression
Recovery from depression depends on several factorssuch as disease severity, access to treatment, social support, and individual factors. However, the studies(2) show that many people can recover from depression with proper treatment and good management. In this article we explain how a mental health center can help you overcome depression.
Between 70-80% of people who receive adequate treatmentsuch as psychological therapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) and/or medication, experience significant improvement or make a complete recovery. Recovery is often more likely when depression is detected and treated early. Although without continued treatment, up to 50% may experience a relapse.
Although we have these statistical data, we should not dismiss the importance of making visible and understanding the severity of depressive symptoms. In this sense, it is crucial to have resources to face this problem such as a healthy environment, emotional support, carrying out a healthy diet and connecting with recreational activities that awaken personal interest.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Does depression never cure? we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition). Arlington: Panamericana Medical Publishing House.4
Bogaert García, H. (2012). Depression: etiology and treatment. Science and Society Magazine, 37 (2), 183-197.
Botto, A. Acuña, J., Jiménez, JP (2014). Depression as a complex diagnosis. Implication for the development of clinical recommendations. Chilean Medicine Magazine, 10 (142), 1297-1305.
I’m Emily Williams Jones, a psychologist specializing in mental health with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. With a Ph.D. in psychology, my career has spanned research, clinical practice and private counseling. I’m dedicated to helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression and trauma by offering a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines the latest research with compassionate care.
