Depression in schizophrenia

Abstract

Investigations with the use of the Calgary Depression scale for schizophrenia and standardized psychometric scales revealed depression in the acute psychotic phase of the disease in 198 patients and depressive syndrome in 148 ones in the postpsychotic phase. The phase of schizophrenia (acute or postpsychotic) influenced the choice of antidepressive therapy. Depressive syndrome during the acute phase of schizophrenia was the integral part of a psychotic episode. Manifestations of depressive symptoms correlated with the severity of positive symptoms. Depression was responsive to antipsychotic monotherapy using conventional and unconventional agents. Depression with adynamic symptoms was especially frequent in the postpsychotic phase of schizophrenia. Depressions usually developed after the first episode of schizophrenia. Those observed immediately after a psychotic episode differed from depressions following prolonged therapy. The structure of depressive syndrome was influenced by the number of previous psychotic episodes The combination of antipsychotics and antidepressants was effective in the treatment of depressive symptoms in schizophrenic patients during the postpsychotic phase. The presence of depression in case of proper therapy is not a predictor of poor prognosis. Recognition and adequate treatment of depression in schizophrenia require greater attention. Optimized control of mood disorders accompanying schizophrenia increases the possibility to improve the clinical outcome.