Recognition and management of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia; past, present and future

Mood and anxiety disorder-related psychopathology, including anxiety and depression are very frequently present in patients with schizophrenia. This co-morbid psychopathology can significantly inşuence appropriate psychiatric management. In this presentation, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia will be presented and discussed. In particular, there will be a discussion on the origins of negative symptoms and how to possibly differentiate these symptoms from depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Furthermore, the impact of depressive symptoms on prognosis of schizophrenia, its severity, patient functioning and quality of life, as well as relapse and chronicity, will also be presented. The presentation will then focus on psychopharmacological evidence to support the efficacy of atypical antipsychotic medications and other available treatments in this area, and how they can be used to increase remission rates, reduce the risk of relapse and enhance functional outcomes.