Final answer:
The goal of the maintenance phase of depressive disorders is to prevent relapse and sustain improvement in symptoms over time through continued treatment and support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal for the maintenance phase of depressive disorders is to prevent relapse and sustain improvement in symptoms over time. This phase typically occurs after the acute treatment phase, once the person's symptoms have improved. During the maintenance phase, the focus is on continuing medication, therapy, or other interventions to prevent future episodes of depression.
For example, one goal of the maintenance phase may be to help the person identify triggers or early warning signs of depression and develop strategies to manage them. Additionally, the maintenance phase may involve regular check-ins with a healthcare provider to monitor symptoms and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Overall, the goal of the maintenance phase is to support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of future depressive episodes.