Stability of the postpsychotic depression syndrome

Fifteen consecutively identified patients with syndromally defined postpsychotic depression were followed prospectively over three consecutive weekly ratings to assess the stability of that syndrome. In 8 cases, the condition persisted with undiminished intensity. Five cases remitted spontaneously, and in 2 cases the syndrome appeared to be a harbinger of psychotic relapse. The implications for the timing of therapeutic interventions in patients with postpsychotic depressions are discussed.