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The Nature and Prevalence of Depression in Chronic Schizophrenic In-patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Thomas R. E. Barnes
Affiliation:
Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, The Academic Unit, Horton Hospital, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8PZ
David A. Curson
Affiliation:
Charter Clinic, Chelsea, London, Riverside Health Authority, London, Bowden House Clinic, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex
Peter F. Liddle
Affiliation:
Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, The Academic Unit, Horton Hospital, Epsom
Meena Patel
Affiliation:
Shenley Hospital, Herts, Horton Hospital, Epsom

Abstract

Out of 194 chronic schizophrenic inpatients, depressed mood (item 23 of the PSE) was present in 25 (13%). When compared with 25 matched controls, the patients with depressed mood had significantly higher scores on the MADRS and the Beck Depression Inventory. Serious suicidal ideas and auditory hallucinations were significantly more common in the depressed group. However, there were no significant differences between the matched groups in terms of negative symptoms, Parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia, anticholinergic medication, or current dose of antipsychotic drug, which suggests that the depression identified was not related to drug treatment, nor was it a direct manifestation or misinterpretation of negative symptoms. Over three-month follow-up, the MADRS and Beck scores covaried closely with the presence or absence of depressed mood. This depressive syndrome persisted over the three months in the majority of patients originally depressed.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1989 

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