Eric Roche1, Mary Clarke2, Stephen Browne3, Niall Turner1, Orflaith McTuige3, Moaayad Kamali3, Anthony Kinsellla1, Conall Larkin4, John L Waddington5, Eadbhard O'Callaghan6. 1. Early Intervention in Psychosis Service,Block 5,Blackrock Business Park,Carysfort Avenue,Blackrock,Co Dublin,Ireland. 2. Stanley Research Unit,Dept of Adult Psychiatry,St. John of God Hospitaller Services,Dublin,Ireland and Dept of Psychiatry,School of Medicine,University College Dublin,Ireland. 3. Stanley Research Unit,Dept of Adult Psychiatry,St. John of God Hospitaller Services,Dublin,Ireland. 4. Stanley Research Unit,Dept of Adult Psychiatry,St. John of God Hospitaller Services,Dublin and Dept of Psychiatry,School of Medicine,University College Dublin,Ireland. 5. Dept. of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics,Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland,Dublin 2,Ireland. 6. Early Intervention in Psychosis Service,Stanley Research Unit,Dept of Adult Psychiatry,St. John of God Hospitaller Services and Dept of Psychiatry,School of Medicine,University College Dublin,Ireland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reported rates of depression in schizophrenia vary considerably. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of depression in a first episode sample of people with schizophrenia. METHODS: All referrals with a first episode of schizophrenia diagnosed using SCID interviews were assessed pre-discharge and again six months later. We used the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to assess the severity of symptoms. RESULTS: Pre-discharge, 10.4% of the sample met CDSS criteria for depression. According to the PANSS depression (PANSS -D) subscale, 3% of patients were depressed, with a mean score of 7.48 (SD = 2.97). Only 3% of patients pre-discharge were found to be depressed on both the CDSS and the PANSS-D. Six months later 6.5% were depressed according to the CDSS. However none reached depression criteria according to the PANSS-D. The CDSS correlated with PANSS-D both pre-discharge and at follow-up. Feelings of depression and self-deprecation were the most common symptoms at baseline and follow-up. The CDSS was unrelated to negative symptoms at both stages. A lifetime history of alcohol abuse increased the risk for depression. CONCLUSION: Rates of depression in this sample were low. The CDSS appears to discriminate between depression and negative symptoms. Like the general population, alcohol misuse is a risk factor for depression in first episode schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND: Reported rates of depression in schizophrenia vary considerably. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of depression in a first episode sample of people with schizophrenia. METHODS: All referrals with a first episode of schizophrenia diagnosed using SCID interviews were assessed pre-discharge and again six months later. We used the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to assess the severity of symptoms. RESULTS: Pre-discharge, 10.4% of the sample met CDSS criteria for depression. According to the PANSS depression (PANSS -D) subscale, 3% of patients were depressed, with a mean score of 7.48 (SD = 2.97). Only 3% of patients pre-discharge were found to be depressed on both the CDSS and the PANSS-D. Six months later 6.5% were depressed according to the CDSS. However none reached depression criteria according to the PANSS-D. The CDSS correlated with PANSS-D both pre-discharge and at follow-up. Feelings of depression and self-deprecation were the most common symptoms at baseline and follow-up. The CDSS was unrelated to negative symptoms at both stages. A lifetime history of alcohol abuse increased the risk for depression. CONCLUSION: Rates of depression in this sample were low. The CDSS appears to discriminate between depression and negative symptoms. Like the general population, alcohol misuse is a risk factor for depression in first episode schizophrenia.
Authors: Jacob Cookey; Jacob McGavin; Candice E Crocker; Kara Matheson; Sherry H Stewart; Philip G Tibbo Journal: Can J Psychiatry Date: 2020-02-04 Impact factor: 4.356