Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
06:55

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

Risk factors for onset of multiple or long major depressive episodes versus single and short episodes

Bauke T Stegenga1, Mirjam I Geerlings, Francisco Torres-González

  • 1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Stratenum 6.131, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|November 27, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Risk factors for major depressive disorder (MDE) differ based on episode number and duration. Lower education, anxiety, work, and financial issues predict multiple or long MDE, unlike single, short episodes.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDE) presentation varies significantly.
  • Understanding distinct risk factors for different MDE trajectories is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if risk factors for the onset of multiple or long MDE differ from those for single and short MDE.
  • To identify predictors for distinct MDE episode patterns.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study of 5,256 general practitioner attendees without MDE at baseline was conducted (predictD).
  • MDE episodes were categorized as none, single/short (≤3 months), or multiple/long (>3 months).
  • Log-binomial regression models assessed relative risks for 18 baseline factors differentiating MDE types.

Main Results:

  • 3% experienced single/short MDE, while 6% had multiple/long MDE.
  • Lower education, anxiety, work problems, and financial strain significantly elevated risk for multiple/long MDE compared to single/short MDE.
  • Younger age was associated with a reduced risk of multiple/long MDE.

Conclusions:

  • Specific, easily assessable risk factors can predict different MDE onset patterns.
  • These findings support the development of targeted depression prevention strategies.

More Related Videos

A Chronic Immobilization Stress Protocol for Inducing Depression-Like Behavior in Mice05:28

A Chronic Immobilization Stress Protocol for Inducing Depression-Like Behavior in Mice

Published on: May 15, 2019

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats07:57

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

Published on: February 22, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia01:27

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Bipolar Disorder01:30

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
Long-term Depression01:05

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...