I was just reading about dysthymic disorder and the article said feeling ok isn't good enough, full recovery/remission is needed. That same idea that of full remission is not listed in MDD in a different article. Yet there are medical codes for full remission for both. Full remission is only listed for a first episode of MDD. I'm guessing that means after 10 years with ad meds, this isn't my first episode.

What gives with that? after 10 years of dx and having a bad relapse when I decided to go off my ad meds, (now am on one again and feeling sort of ok) what is the difference in feeling total recovery and not? I know this isn't written very cleary, but I was a little discouraged when I read those 2 articles on this site. I don't feel fully recovered yet. I'm not functioning fully yet, does that mean I'm not on the right medication or need more self-help input which I'm working at all the time. Is there less hope of full remission with MDD? Is it full remission when I still take medication. I have been told I will most likely be on meds for the rest of my life. I can accept that if it is true.