Depression self-assessment for schizophrenic patients participating in a psychiatric rehabilitation program — preliminary report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia is characterized by a wide range of symptoms including affective ones. The way these symptoms are manifested and their duration determine whether a patient is diagnosed with depression. Post psychotic depression occurs after an acute episode of schizophrenia. It has a multifactor etiology and the treatment process is long and complicated. The authors of this study attempted to describe the extent of post psychotic depression among patients referred for psychiatric rehabilitation during their admission and discharge as well as to define factors determining depression severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty four patients with diagnosed schizophrenia and undergoing inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation were included in this study. Medical records were analyzed and a survey questionnaire form was used. Then statistical calculations were performed.

RESULTS: Almost 80% of patients manifested depressive symptoms with various degrees of severity after they were discharged from the general psychiatric clinic. Significantly lower percentage of individuals with moderate severe depression was reported among patients who stayed in the rehabilitation unit for 3 months. The analysis of correlations confirmed a factor, other than a hospital stay, which was strongly related to depression severity. Pharmacological treatment turned out to be that factor.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that complex rehabilitation including various psychosocial therapeutic interventions combined with pharmacological treatment based on atypical neuroleptic agents and antidepressants decrease the intensity of depressive symptoms.