health

The prognosis of depression varies considerably. People who are not
treated for depression often feel better within six to twenty-four months;
however, episodes of depression can be shortened considerably with
treatment. About two-thirds of patients treated for depression feel well
enough to return to their normal activities within a few weeks. About a
quarter of patients will continue to have symptoms of depression for
months to years after the first episode. About 50 percent of patients
treated for depression will have a second episode at some point in time;
these recurrences usually respond well to treatment, however.
People who are depressed are at increased risk of suicide. About 3.4
percent of patients diagnosed with major depression eventually succeed
in committing suicide.