Three different meanings of depression in schizophrenia. A phenomenological perspective

In this theoretical paper with a clinical focus, three different meanings of depression in schizophrenia spectrum patients - depression as a reaction to schizophrenia, as an integral part of it, and as an independent disorder - are exposed and discussed from a phenomenological point of view. A well-reflected schizophrenia patient is briefly introduced in order to illustrate the clinical relevance of the aforementioned distinctions. The clinical relevance of thorough phenomenological and hermeneutical analysis of patients' experiences ranges from diagnostic to psychotherapeutic implications.