Depression in schizophrenia: nursing care as a generalized resistance resource

Although depression can be a feature of acute psychosis and an aftermath of a psychotic episode (postpsychotic depression), data indicate that depressive syndromes in schizophrenia can be found years after the immediate postacute phase. Researchers acknowledge the clinical importance of recognizing that depressive symptoms are frequently described in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Using the framework of Antonovsky's (1972, 1987, 1992) Sense of Coherence as a guide, this article explores what nurses can do to facilitate development of generalized resistance resources (GRRs) in the physical, psychological, and emotional armamentarium of those diagnosed with schizophrenia, mood disorder not otherwise specified (NOS).