Prognosis

Good. Recent progress in the development of new drugs that act directly on specific parts of the brain makes the treatment of depression even more promising. Seasonal affective disorder responds well to light therapy.
In some instances, one course of treatment is sufficient to manage or remedy major depressive illness. However, for many others, depression is a recurring condition that requires continued or episodic intervention. Even after a successful round of treatment, it is important that you remain sensitive to stresses that are likely to trigger a depression. If you are able to recognize early signs, you will be able to contact your clinician before you find yourself deep into another depressive episode. Learning to manage depression through therapy, medication, and life-style will lessen the impact that it has on your life.