Chronic and Recurrent Depression in Primary Care: Socio-Demographic Features, Morbidity, and Costs

Box 1

DSM-IV diagnoses included in the ProCEED study.

Recurrent major depression

Recurrent major depression was defined by participants having two or more episodes of major depression within a three-year

period. An episode of major depression must last at least two weeks with a period of recovery lasting at least two months in

between episodes and must interfere with the person’s normal functioning.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia lasts at least two years, with symptoms which are less severe than those of major depression, but which nonetheless

impair the individual’s functioning.

Chronic major depression

An episode of major depression which lasts for a full two year period without a break of two months or more in which the

person could function normally.