Data on the duration of major depressive episodes (MDE) in the general population are sparse.
To assess the duration of MDE and its clinical and socio-demographic determinants in a study group drawn from the general population with newly originated episodes of major depression.
The Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study is a prospective epidemiological survey in the adult population ( n=7076), using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Duration of MDE over 2 years was assessed with a Life Chart Interview.
The median duration of MDE was 3.0 months; 50% of participants recovered within 3 months, 63% within 6 months, 76% within 12 months and nearly 20% had not recovered at 24 months. Determinants of persistence were severity of depression and comorbid dysthymia. A recurrent episode predicted shorter duration.