Predicting relapse in major depression after successful initial pharmacological treatment.

•Clinical predictors of relapse of depression after remission were explored by using our previous multi-center randomized practical trial for patients with major depression.•Of 494 patients remitted at week 9, 71 (14.4%) experienced relapse at week 25.•Lower depressive mood and higher suicidal ideation upon development of the current depression episode, the presence of residual symptoms, and greater severity of side effects at remission may predict subsequent depression relapse.