The “5 R’s of depression” is a clinical framework used primarily in psychiatry to evaluate the effectiveness of depression treatment—especially when using antidepressant medication. It helps doctors and patients track progress and set realistic recovery goals.

The 5 R’s Explained

1. Response
   This means the person shows a significant improvement—usually a 50% or greater reduction in depression symptoms—after starting treatment. It’s often seen within 4–8 weeks.
2. Remission
   Remission occurs when symptoms drop to a very low level or disappear entirely. The person feels “back to normal” and functions well in daily life. This is the primary goal of treatment.
3. Recovery
   Recovery means staying in remission for an extended period—typically at least 4 to 6 months. It signals that the episode of depression has truly passed, not just temporarily improved.
4. Relapse
   Relapse is the return of depressive symptoms before full recovery is achieved—usually within a few months of initial improvement. It often happens if treatment is stopped too soon.
5. Recurrence
   Recurrence refers to a new episode of depression after a person has fully recovered from a previous one. People with a history of multiple episodes are at higher risk for recurrence.

Why the 5 R’s Matter

Understanding these terms helps patients and providers make informed decisions—like how long to stay on medication, when to adjust therapy, or how to prevent future episodes. It also reduces frustration by clarifying that improvement (response) is just the first step; sustained wellness (recovery) is the true aim.

The 5 R’s of depression aren’t stages you “go through,” but milestones that guide effective, long-term care.