OBJECTIVE: Depressive symptoms in schizophrenia are associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality burden. The 'International Survey of Depression in Schizophrenia' was designed to evaluate current awareness and clinical approaches in this area. METHOD: A 48-item questionnaire was distributed to approximately 80 000 consultant psychiatrists world-wide. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Respondents demonstrated considerable awareness of the prevalence and consequences of depression in schizophrenia. Although there was widespread adjunctive use of antidepressants, one-third of respondents indicated that they rarely or never prescribe these agents in combination with antipsychotic medication. There were considerable variations in opinions about the best approach to the treatment of depressive symptoms associated with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: The considerable clinical burden of depressive symptomatology in schizophrenia was acknowledged by the majority of respondents to this survey. There was, however, little agreement on the best management strategy.
OBJECTIVE:Depressive symptoms in schizophrenia are associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality burden. The 'International Survey of Depression in Schizophrenia' was designed to evaluate current awareness and clinical approaches in this area. METHOD: A 48-item questionnaire was distributed to approximately 80 000 consultant psychiatrists world-wide. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Respondents demonstrated considerable awareness of the prevalence and consequences of depression in schizophrenia. Although there was widespread adjunctive use of antidepressants, one-third of respondents indicated that they rarely or never prescribe these agents in combination with antipsychotic medication. There were considerable variations in opinions about the best approach to the treatment of depressive symptoms associated with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: The considerable clinical burden of depressive symptomatology in schizophrenia was acknowledged by the majority of respondents to this survey. There was, however, little agreement on the best management strategy.
Authors: Maria Vares; Peter Saetre; Pontus Strålin; Sten Levander; Eva Lindström; Erik G Jönsson Journal: Hum Psychopharmacol Date: 2011-06-22 Impact factor: 1.672
Authors: Maurizio Pompili; Xavier F Amador; Paolo Girardi; Jill Harkavy-Friedman; Martin Harrow; Kalman Kaplan; Michael Krausz; David Lester; Herbert Y Meltzer; Jiri Modestin; Lori P Montross; Preben Bo Mortensen; Povl Munk-Jørgensen; Jimmi Nielsen; Merete Nordentoft; Pirjo Irmeli Saarinen; Sidney Zisook; Scott T Wilson; Roberto Tatarelli Journal: Ann Gen Psychiatry Date: 2007-03-16 Impact factor: 3.455