Despite the frequency and the severity of depressive episodes, the major depressive disorder (MDD) is today inadequately diagnosed and treated, and the risk factors for its recurrence are not well elaborated. The objectives of this study were to describe the sociodemographic, clinical evolutionary and therapeutic features of this disorder and to identify the factors involved in the risk of its recurrence.

This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, involving 150 patients with MDD, isolated episode or recurrent major depressive disorder (RMDD) with a follow-up for at least two years. Data collection was performed using two pre-established questionnaires for the MDD isolated episode and for the RMDD respectively with 51 and 92 items. A study of the recurrence period was performed by Kaplan–Meier method. The Cox-test was used to determine the survival curves and to look for the risk factors significantly associated with MDD recurrence.

A total of 150 patients was gathered, predominantly female, married and from urban origin. The average age at the beginning of the disorder was 35years. The recurrence period was 109months and the factors associated with recurrence were the early age of onset of the disorder, family history of mood disorders, the severity of MDE index, residual symptoms and discontinuation of treatment.

The study of factors involved in MDD recurrence is of a particular importance since it allows not only to know the group of patients at risk but also to improve their therapeutic care.