ABSTRACT
It is estimated by the World Health Organization that by the year 2020 unipolar major depression will be the disease imposing the second greatest burden of ill health worldwide (Murray & Lopez, 1996), very close behind the top cause, ischaemic heart disease. A key feature of major depression is the likelihood that sufferers will experience repeated episodes. It follows, therefore, that the heightened vulnerability to relapse for people with a history of depression is the aspect of the problem that needs particular attention, if the personal and global impact of it are to be lessened.
