Depressive disease is usually treated in steps

• Acute treatment
• Continuation treatment
• Maintenance treatment

The aim of acute treatment is to relieve the symptoms of Depressive Disease and make the patient feel well so that he/she resumes normal duties.

Continuation treatment (continuing the treatment for some time even after the patient is well) is important. The chances of relapse of Depressive Disease within the first six months are much higher. The continuation treatment is for preventing these relapses.

Maintenance treatment is to prevent a recurrence of the Depressive Disease. The maintenance treatment improves the chances of the patient remaining well.