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Primary enduring negative symptoms in schizophrenia and major depression
H Gerbaldo1, M P Fickinger, H Wetzel
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, F.R.G.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Primary enduring negative symptoms (PENS) are not exclusive to schizophrenia. Research indicates these symptoms occur in other conditions, suggesting broader research approaches for negative symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Primary enduring negative symptoms (PENS) are a core feature in schizophrenia, but their specificity remains debated.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of PENS in different diagnostic groups is crucial for treatment development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and nature of PENS in patients with schizophrenia and unipolar major depressive episodes.
- To compare the diagnostic specificity of PENS between these two patient groups.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 26 patients with schizophrenia and 94 with major depressive episodes were assessed 5 years post-episode.
- Primary enduring negative symptoms (PENS) were evaluated using the Schedule for Deficit Syndrome (SDS) and Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS).
- Symptoms were subclassified into primary and secondary using SDS criteria.
Main Results:
- The frequency of PENS did not significantly differ between schizophrenic and non-schizophrenic patients.
- Enduring negative symptoms were more prevalent in schizophrenia (65% SDS, 88% SANS) compared to major depressive episodes (29% SDS, 32% SANS).
- Applying SDS criteria for PENS reduced their observed frequency, potentially impacting clinical trial recruitment.
Conclusions:
- Negative symptomatology, including the primary enduring subtype, is not specific to schizophrenia.
- Findings suggest that non-nosological, functional research approaches may be beneficial for studying PENS.