Though similar, depression relapse and recurrence are different.  However, research has shown that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy practices that are useful in preventing depression relapse care also successful in preventing depression recurrence.

University of California, Davis

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) teaches patients that have depression that are currently in remission to become aware of their thoughts and feelings and how to approach  them differently from before.  MBCT has shown to be significantly important in helping prevent relapse.  However, it must be noted that while the current research points to a positive direction, research is limited so more must be done.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Depression Relapse

Different from a relapse, a recurrence is a new episode of depression that comes after six months of being treated and symptoms have been alleviated.

Depression Recurrence

Steven F. Hick PhD & Levia Chan MSW RSW (2010) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Effectiveness and Limitations, Social Work in Mental Health, 8:3, 225-237, DOI: 10.1080/15332980903405330

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Effectiveness and Limitations

Improved sleep quality due to mindfulness meditation within mindfulness-based cognitive therapy could be the mediator between mindfulness, improved depression, and lowered relapse risk because mindfulness meditation reduces sympathetic hyperarousal and decreases negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, and rumination that can contribute to insomnia.

Sleep quality as a potential mediator between mindfulness and depression relapse

The likelihood of experiencing a subsequent episode of major depressive disorder increases with each new occurrence. After a single episode, there is a 50% to 60% chance of having a second one. This probability rises to 70% for a third episode after two have occurred, and it further increases to 90% for a fourth episode after three have occurred.

Recurrence Rates of Major Depressive Disorder

Analyze the following clinical scenario and determine the appropriate term for the patient's current condition, explaining your reasoning based on the provided details.

Clinical Scenario: Identifying a New Depressive Episode

A patient was successfully treated for a major depressive episode and remained completely symptom-free for eight months. After this period of wellness, the patient began to experience a new, distinct period of deep sadness and loss of interest in their usual activities. How would this new onset of symptoms most accurately be classified?

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