Evaluating depressive symptoms and their impact on outcome in schizophrenia applying the Calgary Depression Scale.

Objective: To examine depressive symptoms, their course during treatment, and influence on outcome.

Methods: Weekly Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia ratings were performed in 249 inpatients with schizophrenia. Early response was defined as a 20% reduction in the total score of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia from admission to week 2, response as a 50% reduction in the total score of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS) from admission to discharge and remission according to the consensus criteria.

Results: Thirty six per cent of the patients were depressed at admission, with 23% of them still being depressed at discharge. Depressed patients scored significantly higher on the PANSS negative and general psychopathology subscore, featured more impairments in subjective well-being (P < 0.0001) and functioning (P < 0.0001). They suffered from more suicidality (P = 0.0021), and had greater insight into their illness (P = 0.0105). No significant differences were found regarding early response, response, and remission.

Conclusions: Patients with depressive symptoms should be monitored closely, given the burden of negative symptoms, their impairments in well-being and functioning and the threat of suicidality.