How this fits in

The extent to which relapse of depression is discussed and relapse prevention provided in general practice is not well understood. Findings from this qualitative study suggest that, while relapse is considered an important issue by people with lived experience of depression and GPs, relapse risk and relapse prevention are not routinely discussed in consultations. Ongoing monitoring and longer-term follow-up, beyond the acute phase, are not consistently provided or received. The concept of relapse is of limited usefulness and meaning to both GPs and people with depression; consensus research is required to explore new ways of conceptualising depression relapse and establishing its utility in general practice. We provide a framework for improving longer-term monitoring and follow-up for people with depression in general practice.