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Depression can affect people in different ways, and recurrent depressive disorder is often used to describe repeated depressive episodes over time. Symptoms may affect mood, sleep, motivation, relationships, work, study and day-to-day routines.
Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We do not diagnose mental health conditions, provide medical treatment or operate a clinic. We can help you understand support pathways and, where appropriate, discuss treatment providers who may be able to assess your needs.
If you are worried about depression, speak with a GP, NHS 24 on 111, a qualified mental health professional or an appropriate treatment provider. If you feel at immediate risk of harm, call 999 or go to A&E.
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Recovery Scotland can provide confidential guidance about available mental health and addiction support options. We do not provide treatment directly, but we may be able to help you understand next steps and referral routes.
Contact us or call 01475 303998.
If you think you may be experiencing recurrent depressive symptoms, it can be difficult to stay positive even during events that would usually feel enjoyable. Some people notice ongoing low mood, loss of interest, irritability, low self-esteem, fatigue, sleep changes or difficulty keeping up with daily responsibilities.
Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and they may come and go over time. Because depression and substance use can sometimes overlap, it is important to seek advice from a qualified professional who can assess your circumstances and recommend suitable support.
Recurrent Depressive Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms can vary, but recurrent depressive disorder may involve:
- Ongoing or repeated low mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes to sleep or appetite
- Low energy or fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, anxiety or social withdrawal
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If there is any immediate risk of harm, call 999. For urgent mental health advice in Scotland, contact NHS 24 on 111 or speak to a GP.
What Are The Causes Of Recurrent Depressive Disorder?
There is rarely one single cause. A person’s risk may be influenced by a mix of biological, psychological, social and environmental factors.
- Personal or family history of depression
- Stressful or traumatic life events
- Long-term physical health conditions
- Sleep disruption, isolation or ongoing pressure
- Alcohol or drug use that worsens mood over time
- Changes in brain chemistry or hormone levels
A qualified mental health professional can explore possible causes and recommend appropriate support.
What Complications Can Recurrent Depressive Disorder Lead To?
Untreated or unsupported depression can affect many areas of life. Possible complications may include:
- Worsening mood or anxiety
- Relationship, work or study difficulties
- Increased alcohol or drug use as a way of coping
- Reduced self-care, sleep disruption or poor physical health
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
If you are concerned about your safety or someone else’s safety, call 999. If the situation is not an immediate emergency, contact NHS 24 on 111, a GP or a mental health crisis service.
How To Manage Recurrent Depressive Disorder
There is no guaranteed way to prevent recurrent depressive disorder, but early support can make it easier to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of them becoming more disruptive.
Helpful steps may include speaking to a GP, accessing therapy, reviewing medication with a prescriber where appropriate, reducing alcohol or drug use, building a stable routine, improving sleep, and asking trusted people for support.
If substance use is also a concern, an addiction treatment provider may be able to assess whether integrated support is needed.
Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, relapse prevention work and structured mental health support may be offered by suitable providers, depending on assessment and individual needs.
Recovery Scotland can help you understand what to ask providers, what support routes may be available, and how mental health and addiction concerns can be discussed together.
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: June 17, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.