Depression in Schizophrenics

The chapters of this volume were originally presented at a symposium on "Depression in Schizophrenics" held at the University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre on July 06 and 07, 1988. It was the intent of the organizers to draw together leading international researchers to address, in a comprehensive fashion, the persisting problem of depression in schizophrenic individuals. As many of the authors point out, depression was clearly identified as a central problem in schizophrenia by the pioneers of psychiatry. Their wisdom and clinical acumen was lost for a time to be only recently re discovered. Their insights must now be integrated with modern taxonomic systems, evolving etiological models and methods of assessment. With increased recognition of the problem of depression in this population we must also examine appropriate methods of ameliorating the suffering of those afflicted. The conference was divided into sections (theoretical aspects, phenomenology, suicide and treatment) and the chairmen of these sections have given brief introductions. Necessary overlap of topics and methods provided a convergent and validating examination of empirical results which may serve to direct continuing studies. As well we hope that thoughtful review may directly influence clinical practice and thereby improve the quality of life for schizophrenic patients.

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I Theoretical Aspects.- A Critical View of the Concept of Schizophrenia.- Genetics and Affective Changes in Schizophrenia.- Interhemispheric Relations and Depression in Schizophrenia in the Perspective of Cerebral Laterality.- II Phenomenology.- Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: Depressive or Deficit Syndrome.- The Assessment of Depression in Schizophrenia.- Depression in Functional Psychosis.- Depression and Paranoid Schizophrenia.- The Development of Methods to Assess the Temporal Relationship of Depressive and Psychotic Symptoms in Schizophrenia.- Negative Symptoms and Depression in Schizophrenia.- III Suicide and Prognosis in Schizophrenics with Depression.- Suicidal Behavior in Schizophrenics.- Early Phases of Schizophrenia and Depression: Prediction of Suicide.- Suicide in Schizophrenia: Clinical Approaches.- IV Treatment Approaches to Depression in Schizophrenics.- The Complex Problem of Treatment.- Long-Term Neuroleptic Toxicity and Mood: Blurring of Diagnostic Boundaries.- Antidepressants in "Depressed" Schizophrenics.- The Neuroleptic Dysphoria Syndrome.- Drug and Subject Influences on Measures of Depression and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenic Patients.- Contributors.