[Practical modalities of consolidation treatment]

Long-term treatment has the double objective of consolidating the beneficial therapeutic effect of the initial treatment and of preventing the aggravations which usually occur within 6 or 8 months following the beginning of a depressive episode. The practical measures in long-term treatment of a depressive state are fairly well laid down. Effective antidepressant treatment for an isolated acute depressive episode should be prolonged, at the same dose, for 4 to 6 months following relief from the episode. Epidemiological studies confirm the superiority of antidepressant treatment over placebo in the prevention of recurrence of depressive episodes, complementing a psychotherapeutic approach. Treatment should always be stopped very gradually. If further recurrence occurs, it becomes necessary to continue treatment beyond the 6th month.