Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders around the world. Many people who struggle with depression don’t get the right type of treatment. For some, they don’t get any treatment at all, and for others, they get a lower level of care than they actually need.
Unfortunately, untreated depression can lead to worsening symptoms, including longer durations of depressive episodes. According to the DSM-5, depressive episodes have to last a minimum of two weeks, but how long they last after that first two weeks is based on several factors, like whether the individual is receiving treatment and what type of depression they have.
Timeline for Depressive Episodes
Untreated, the average timeline for a major depressive episode is between 6 and 12 months. This, of course, varies based on the type of depression and diagnosis an individual has. For example:
- Someone with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder might have episodes that persist anywhere between 3 months and well over one year without treatment
- Someone diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder might have depressive episodes that last 2 years
- Someone struggling with seasonal affective disorder could have episodes lasting 4 months
- Someone with bipolar depression could have episodes between 8 and 12 weeks
- Someone with postpartum depression could have symptoms that last between 3 and 6 months
Given the variation, it’s important to understand that this timeline is often influenced by treatment. Those who seek help early in a depressive episode and are able to participate in therapy and medication management will often see symptoms begin to improve within four to eight weeks.
Without the right type of treatment, individuals are more likely to experience additional episodes, but our team works hard to give clients access to world-class care and holistic treatments that include improved protective factors, things that can help reduce the duration and keep individuals healthier and happier.
Getting Help for Depression
At 90210 Recovery, we provide Los Angeles-based depression treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse and depression. We understand that substance abuse and mental health disorders often coexist.
In some cases, individuals struggle with a substance use disorder first, and the neurological changes can lead to secondary conditions like depression, but in other cases, individuals with undiagnosed or untreated depression might turn to drugs and alcohol for self-medication.
With this overlap, it’s important to find a premier depression treatment center that provides comprehensive care in a world-class setting so that individuals can focus on sustainable recovery and long-term treatment, no matter how long their depressive episodes last.
Our residential inpatient program provides dual diagnosis treatment for those who are struggling with depression. As depression is a multifaceted condition with a wide range of causes, and some medications with severe side effects, our team works with each client to design custom treatment plans, including medication that is most efficacious for each client, lifestyle modifications, and therapy.
Our individual and group therapy is enhanced by our holistic offerings, providing a well-rounded approach to understanding biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and also developing the coping skills that individuals need to manage depressive episodes.
Reach out to our admissions team to learn how long a depression can last. Call today at (424) 390-7816.
FAQ
How Long is a Typical Depressive Episode?
Major depressive episodes usually last around 2 weeks, but without treatment, depression can last several months, between 7 and 9 months, depending on individual factors and treatment options. This also depends on the cause of depression, such as major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
With the right outpatient plan, clients can find help for many underlying causes of depression without having to leave their personal or professional obligations.
Are There Different Types of Depressive Episodes?
Yes, there can be different types of depressive episodes, each with varying durations. For example, some individuals might have bipolar disorder, and with a depressive episode associated with bipolar disorder, symptoms might last for several weeks or months, and then go away entirely, only to come back again for similar lengths of time.
Those who struggle with things like depressive disorders might have single major depressive episodes that can last several months, particularly those triggered by severe lifestyle changes, challenges, or trauma. In other cases, depressive episodes can be shorter, only lasting a few weeks, but happening more frequently.
Will Long Depression Affect Recovery Time?
If you are struggling with depression, longer episodes might present more of a challenge to treat, but they do not mean treatment is not possible, nor do they directly correspond to longer recovery time. For those who are struggling with depression and co-occurring substance use disorder, our dual diagnosis treatment programs can provide access to therapy and medication where appropriate.
Does Treatment Affect How Long a Depression Can Last?
Yes, proper treatment, such as therapy and medication, can have an impact on how long a depression can last, often reducing the duration. Combined with things like lifestyle changes, our outpatient programs can help people see recovery within an average of 3-6 months.
Will My Depressive Episodes Go Away on Their Own?
Sometimes depression resolves itself with time. This can often be acute depression that comes from things like loss of a loved one, moving to a new city, or dealing with some type of temporary stress. However, while an episode might resolve itself, the underlying depression will not. Untreated depression can lead to recurring episodes and worsening symptoms over time.
Can a Depressive Episode Last for Years?
In cases of chronic depression, especially if left untreated, depressive episodes can last for years. However, with the right type of treatment, depression can be more effectively managed through things like lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy.
Sources
https://www.academia.edu/download/45889176/s11920-003-0077-220160523-17521-x6rkin.pdf
