>Because depression isn't a lifelong thing, it should be at worst episodic. Says who? The DSM-5 specifically lists Persistent Depressive Disorder, formerly kno

>Because depression isn't a lifelong thing, it should be at worst episodic. Says who? The DSM-5 specifically lists Persistent Depressive Disorder, formerly known as dysthymia, which is defined by chronic depressive symptoms for a period of two years or more. Many people suffer from frequent episodes of major depression; there's fairly good evidence that antidepressants can reduce the risk and severity of relapses. Patients shouldn't be taking antidepressants in the long term by default, but it's a very good option for a lot of people. If you've had two or three previous episodes of major depression that have been successfully treated by antidepressants and you find the side-effects tolerable, taking them indefinitely might be a perfectly sensible decision.