Relapse is a common and often debilitating outcome of treatment for mental health problems (Kushner, 1998; Antonuccio, 2002). Its occurrence is associated with longer duration of illness, poorer prognosis, and higher rates of treatment failure (Gibbons et al., 1997; D’Zurilla & Nezu, 1999). This article reviews the current knowledge about relapse in mental health disorders, including its definition, prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Relapse is defined as a return to symptom levels or activities that exceed baseline, such as a return to pre-treatment levels of substance use, depression, or anxiety (Antonuccio, 2002). The prevalence of relapse in patients with mental disorders varies widely by disorder, but generally ranges from 50 to 75% (Antonuccio, 2002; Gibbons et al., 1997). Risk factors for relapse include underlying biological factors, such as genetics, family history, and neurobiological mechanisms; psychosocial factors, such as stress, poor social support, and lack of coping skills; and environmental factors, such as poverty, homelessness, and substance use (Kushner, 1998; D’Zurilla & Nezu, 1999).
Preventing relapse in mental health disorders is a critical goal, as relapse can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society. A variety of prevention strategies have been developed to reduce the risk of relapse, including early identification of risk factors, education and psychoeducation, monitoring and assessment, and relapse prevention planning (Kushner, 1998; D’Zurilla & Nezu, 1999). Early identification of risk factors can help clinicians identify patients who are at risk of relapse and may need more intensive or specialized interventions. Education and psychoeducation can help educate patients about their condition and provide them with the skills and resources needed to manage their symptoms. Monitoring and assessment can help clinicians to detect signs of relapse early and intervene appropriately. Finally, relapse prevention planning can help equip patients with the skills and resources needed to identify and manage triggers, warning signs, and high-risk situations.
In conclusion, relapse is a common and debilitating outcome of treatment for mental health disorders. Prevention of relapse is a critical goal, as it can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society. Early identification of risk factors, education and psychoeducation, monitoring and assessment, and relapse prevention planning are all important strategies for reducing the risk of relapse.
References
Antonuccio, D. O. (2002). Relapse prevention: A review of the literature. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 9(2), 145-153.
D’Zurilla, T. J., & Nezu, A. M. (1999). Problem-solving therapy: A social competence approach to clinical intervention. New York, NY: Springer.
Gibbons, R. D., Brown, C. H., Hur, K., & Mann, J. J. (1997). Suicidal behavior and relapse in major depression: A psychological treatment perspective. Clinical Psychology Review, 17(4), 367-381.
Kushner, M. G. (1998). Relapse prevention for alcoholism and substance abuse: An overview. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 21(2), 301-308.