Early identification of suboptimal response and subsequent change of the initial treatment of recurrent depressive disorder (RDD) helps to improve the long-term outcome of the patient. Objective. To evaluate the common practice of the initial treatment course in RDD patients in Russia.

Average duration of the initial treatment course will be evaluated. Change strategies following the suboptimal response will described using the following categories: (1) switch; (2) augmentation with antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, tranquilizers; (3) combination of switch and augmentation; (4) combined administration of two antidepressants; (5) pharmacotherapy discontinuation; or (6) electro-convulsive therapy. For patients who received augmentation, pharmacological agents and their doses used will be described.

Retrospective observational review of medical charts of patients receiving treatment in mental healthcare settings in Russia from January 1, 2012 till September 30, 2013. Inclusion criteria: medical charts of inpatients and outpatients (18-65 years old) diagnosed with an episode of major depression relating to RDD (ICD-10); initial antidepressant monotherapy for at least 2 weeks;

The data of 450 patients will be included into the study.

This retrospective analysis will give a better understanding of the real world practices of treating the patients with RDD in Russia.