Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
06:55
An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
Published on: December 2, 2015
Do negative symptoms influence outcome of depression?
S K Chaturvedi1, S B Sarmukkaddam
1Lecturer in Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, Bangalore - 560 029, India.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Major depression with negative symptoms shows poorer outcomes and slower recovery. These symptoms, assessed via the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), indicate a potential for chronic depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Major depression is a common psychiatric disorder.
- Negative symptoms are often observed in patients with major depression.
- The impact of negative symptoms on depression outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of negative symptoms on the outcome of major depression.
- To compare the outcomes of depressed patients with and without predominant negative symptoms.
- To identify specific negative symptoms that are associated with poorer treatment response.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 34 patients diagnosed with endogenous major depression (Research Diagnostic Criteria) was studied.
- Patients were assessed using the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) at baseline and during a one-year follow-up.
- Depression outcomes were compared between patients with and without predominant negative symptoms.
Main Results:
- Complete recovery was achieved in only 41% of the studied cases.
- Depression characterized by predominant negative symptoms exhibited poorer outcomes.
- Patients with predominant negative symptoms showed limited response to tricyclic antidepressants alone.
Conclusions:
- Negative symptoms adversely affect the clinical outcome in patients with major depression.
- Predominant negative symptoms are associated with a poorer prognosis and may contribute to the chronicity of depression.
- Further research is needed to explore effective treatments for depression with negative symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:18Depression: Overview
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
01:29Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Self-discrepancy theory explains how people compare their actual self to their ideal and ought selves and how mismatches between these self-guides can lead to emotional distress. Developed by E. Tory Higgins, the theory distinguishes among three components of self-concept: the actual self, the ideal self, and the ought self. These refer respectively to how individuals perceive themselves, how they aspire to be, and how they believe they are obligated to be. Emotional well-being, self-esteem,...
01:54The Placebo Effect
The placebo effect occurs when people's expectations or beliefs influence or determine their experience in a given situation. In other words, simply expecting something to happen can actually make it happen.