Diagnostics and therapy of depressive symptoms in schizophrenic patients
Bottlender, R.; Hampel, H.; Sievers, M.; Möller, H.J.
MMW Fortschritte der Medizin 147(Special Issue 2): 59-62
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1438-3276 PMID: 15968875 Document Number: 590021
The occurrence of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia is fairly common. In contrast to earlier assumptions, they usually have unfavorable consequences on the course of the disease. The response of depressive symptoms to therapy is well documented by empirical evidence and studies. In reality, however, the treatment of depressive symptoms in cases of schizophrenia occurs too rarely. This lack of medical treatment is partially explained by the clinicians' apprehension that antidepressive therapy could provoke a flare up of the psychosis. Nonetheless, this situation is often founded on the incorrect assessment of the depressive symptoms as negative symptoms that, in turn, are regarded by many clinicians as having limited treatability. In regards to this circumstance, a rethinking is desirable and, as a matter of principle, necessary.