1300 – Depressive symptoms in schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction Depressive symptoms in schizophrenia are important not only because they contribute significantly to the suffering caused by the illness but also because they exacerbate deficits in psycho social functioning and commonly precede attempted and completed suicide. Objectives It is important to define and clinically assess such symptoms accurately as there is now increasing evidence that they can be treated successfully. Aims The authors assessed the presence and severity of depressive symptoms, as well as their associations with other clinical and socio-demographic measures, in a group of patients with schizophrenia, who were not in a major depressive episode or diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. And also possible differences in frequency of depressive symptoms in inpatient and outpatient group. Methods Thirty adult inpatients with schizophrenia and 30 comparison subject with schizophrenia in outpatient treatment were studied. Depressive symptoms were rated primarily with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. M.I.N.I. Screen and M.I.N.I were used to screen out other disorders and confirm the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Socio-demographic questionnaire that was used was designed specifically for this study. Results Our results indicate significant presence of depressive symptoms in all study subjects. Mean value of total HAM-D score for the whole sample was 15,63±7,724, corresponding to mild depression. Average total score was significantly higher in the subgroup of inpatients (18.97±6,636) compared with (12,3±7,373) in outpatients. Conclusions The results indicate significant presence of depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. This should probably be reflected in guidelines for evaluation and treatment of these patients.