Depression in schizophrenia: Prevalence and its impact on quality of life, disability, and functioning

Limited information is available on the prevalence of depression and its correlates in patients with schizophrenia in clinical remission. This study aims to understand the prevalence of depression in patients with schizophrenia currently in clinical remission and evaluate the impact of depression on the functioning, disability, and quality of life.

250 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, currently in clinical remission, were recruited by convenient sampling and assessed on the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). Participants were also assessed on positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref Version.

As per CDSS, the prevalence of mild depression (≥ 5) and significant depression (≥ 7) were 27.6 % and 18.8 % respectively. The presence of significant depression was associated higher level of residual psychopathology on PANSS (in general psychopathology score, prosocial score and total score), poor functioning, higher level of disability in the domain of interpersonal activities, higher prevalence of physical comorbidity and poor quality of life compared to those without significant depression.

Around one-fifth of patients with schizophrenia have significant depression during the phase of clinical remission. It has a negative impact on functioning, is associated with a higher level of disability in the domain of interpersonal activities, and poor quality of life compared to those without significant depression. Hence, addressing depression should be an integral part of schizophrenia management in clinical remission to improve the overall outcome of patients with schizophrenia.