[Therapeutic strategy of depressive episodes. Prevention of relapse risk]

Prevention of the risk of recurrence of depressive episodes is a dynamic process that begins early in the management. Although complete remission is obtained for almost half of the treated depressive episodes, a heuristic conceptual thinking apprehends depression as a potentially chronic disorder when considering relapse and recurrence prevention. Multiple actions of care have to be initiated. They are formalised, but also adjustable to the needs of a critical management period throughout the follow-up. These actions include the prescription of an antidepressant at an effective dosage. They also consider the preventative and therapeutic impact of psychotherapy. The search for residual symptoms of depression is the rule, and addition of other medication should be considered if needed. These recommendations are evidence-based in the context of recurrence prevention. Nevertheless, many other initiatives are equally important recommendations in terms of therapeutic impact. Thus, rigorous evaluation of the initial symptomatology, promotion of information on disease, health-care advices, as well as implementation of family and other networks are good-practices. Such actions should be conducted in a relationship based on a therapeutic alliance. These elements need to be adjusted and contextualised in line with the Health System, mode of medical practice and unique style of the therapist. Proactive and sustainable implementations of these guidelines are required in the context of a unique and open therapeutic relationship for both therapist and patient.