Once depressed, always depressed?
Two researchers say, while that might be the message of the mental health discipline, it isn't really true.
Jonathan Rottenberg, Professor of Psychology, University of South Florida, and Todd Kashdan Professor of Psychology, George Mason University, reviewed outcome studies of people who were once depressed. They found that 40 to 60 percent never again had depression.
The researchers have proposed that professionals adopt a more precise definition of well-being so that they understand how and when people recover from depression.
This information can help professionals guide patients out of what might be a temporary depression. It could also give patients hope, the researchers say.
The research will appear in the Perspectives on Psychological Science, according to The Conversation.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
