A study of depressive symptomatology and suicidal ideation in patients with schizophrenia

ABSTRACT

Background: Schizophrenia is one of the most devastating mental illnesses known to mankind. Apart from the classical psychotic symptoms of the illness, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation also contribute to the morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia. Adequate knowledge about these symptoms and their risk factors may help the clinicians for the better treatment of the patients. Aims: To study the prevalence of depressive symptomatology and suicidal ideation in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The study subjects were assessed using a semi-structured proforma consisting of socio-demographic details, Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for symptoms of schizophrenia, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) for evaluation of depression and Columbia Suicidal Severity Rating scale (C-SSRS) to assess suicidal behaviour. Results: About one third of the patients with schizophrenia were depressed and about one fourth had suicidal ideation. The risk of developing depression was more in subjects from urban areas and with increasing age of the patients. Both depression and suicidal ideation correlated positively with high positive symptom score and general psychopathology score of PANSS. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation are frequent in patients with schizophrenia and they need adequate assessment and management for recovery and normal functioning.