The authors found moderate to severe depression in 60% of a group of
schizophrenic patients experiencing acute decompensations (N=30). The
course of the depression was followed over an 8-week period8,during which
patients were treated with depot fluphenazines. There was a statistically
significant reduction in depression that closely paralleled the correction
of the cognitive disorder. The authors discuss problems in identifying and
quantifying depression during acute schizophrenic decompensation and
suggest that the Hamilton scale anxiety/depression factor and the BRPS
depression factor may be useful diagnositc tools.Abstract Teaser