Frequency of Depression in Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective: Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder involving chronic or recurrent psychosis. It is commonly associated with impairments in social and occupational functioning. Schizophrenia also associated with different comorbidities including depression. This study is design to determine the prevalence of depression and its severity in schizophrenia in local population.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry Hyderabad from Jan 2018 to Dec 2018.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-six (126) patients with schizophrenia were included in this study. Depression was assessed on Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS).

Results: Prevalence of depression in patients with schizophrenia was 39.68% (50/126). Regarding severity of depression, 15.87% (20/126) were mild and 23.81% (30/126) were moderate to severe. Prevalence of depression was high in self-employed and skilled labor as compare to professional and in those who run their business (p=0.0005). Prevalence of depression was also high in illiterate and low educated patients (p=0.003) as well as those patients whose household income was below 25,000 Pakistani rupees. (p=0.008)

Conclusion: In this study, depression is prevalent schizophrenic patients, particularly in patients with low education level along with poor socio-economic background. It should be recommended that complete assessment of each patient should be done and symptoms & severity of depression should be excluded in every patient. For this screen, strategies could be developed thereby for better quality of life early diagnosis and prompt treatment could be lead.