1
|
Kirpinar MM, Demirel OF. The Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Psychological Variables in Patients With Schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Pract 2024; 30:13-22. [PMID: 38227723 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depressive symptoms are common in schizophrenia and can be seen at any stage of the disease. Although various models have been proposed to explain the development of depression in schizophrenia, studies investigating related psychological factors are scarce and the studies that have been done usually focus on only a small number of possible factors. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to investigate the predictability of some psychological factors on depression in patients with schizophrenia. For this purpose, patients with high and low depression scores were compared. METHODS Two groups of individuals with schizophrenia, with (n=29) and without (n=31) depression, as determined by scores on the Calgary Depression Scale in Schizophrenia, were compared using a sociodemographic data form, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Rotter Internal-External Locus 2024 of Control Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Stress Coping Styles Scale. RESULTS No differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, social support scores, and coping styles. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups on the PANSS positive, negative, and general psychopathology subscales, in PANSS total scores, in anxiety scores, and in locus of control scores. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that high levels of negative, positive, and general psychopathological symptoms, external locus of control, and high anxiety scores may be predictive of depression in individuals with schizophrenia. Studies that examine psychological factors in larger patient groups may provide the opportunity to detect and target these factors earlier in the course of schizophrenia, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Murat Kirpinar
- KIRPINAR and DEMIREL: Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pelizza L, Quattrone E, Leuci E, Paulillo G, Azzali S, Pupo S, Pellegrini P. Anxious-depressive symptoms after a first episode of schizophrenia: Response to treatment and psychopathological considerations from the 2-year "Parma Early Psychosis" program. Psychiatry Res 2022; 317:114887. [PMID: 36219900 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Depression is common in schizophrenia and is correlated with suicide risk and poor long-term outcomes. However, the presence of depressive symptoms is often underestimated in both research and treatment, particularly at the illness onset. The goals of this study were: (a) to longitudinally observe anxious-depressive symptom levels in patients with First Episode Schizophrenia (FES) during a 24 months of follow-up period, and (b) to examine their associations with other psychopathology and the intervention patients received in an "Early Intervention in Psychosis" (EIP) program during the follow-up period. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were completed by 159 FES patients both at baseline and across the follow-up. Data were analyzed by linear regression analysis and Spearman's coefficients. Anxious-depressive symptoms had significant longitudinal associations with GAF deterioration and PANSS "Positive Symptoms", "Negative Symptoms" and "Disorganization" subscores. During the follow-up period, FES participants significantly improved the level of anxious-depressive symptoms. This was significantly associated with the number of case management and individual psychotherapy meetings the patient engaged in, as well as with lower antipsychotic doses prescribed during the follow-up period. In conclusion, anxious-depressive symptoms are prominent in FES and at the initial entry into EIP programs. Anxious-depressive symptom severity tends to diminish overtime, especially with the provision of specialized EIP treatments. However, since we did not have a control population studied in parallel, we cannot say whether these results are specific to the protocols of EIP programs or just to the intensity of engagement in care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pelizza
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli n. 1/A, Parma 43100, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Via Zamboni n. 33, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Quattrone
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli n. 1/A, Parma 43100, Italy
| | - Emanuela Leuci
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli n. 1/A, Parma 43100, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Paulillo
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli n. 1/A, Parma 43100, Italy
| | - Silvia Azzali
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola n.2, Reggio, Emilia 43100, Italy
| | - Simona Pupo
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Gramsci n.14, Parma, Italy
| | - Pietro Pellegrini
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli n. 1/A, Parma 43100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Herniman SE, Allott K, Phillips LJ, Wood SJ, Uren J, Mallawaarachchi SR, Cotton SM. Depressive psychopathology in first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. Psychol Med 2019; 49:2463-2474. [PMID: 31524121 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719002344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite knowing for many decades that depressive psychopathology is common in first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders (FES), there is limited knowledge regarding the extent and nature of such psychopathology (degree of comorbidity, caseness, severity) and its demographic, clinical, functional and treatment correlates. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of depressive disorder and caseness, and the pooled mean severity of depressive symptoms, as well as the demographic, illness, functional and treatment correlates of depressive psychopathology in FES. METHODS This systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression was prospectively registered (CRD42018084856) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. RESULTS Forty studies comprising 4041 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of depressive disorder and caseness was 26.0% (seven samples, N = 855, 95% CI 22.1-30.3) and 43.9% (11 samples, N = 1312, 95% CI 30.3-58.4), respectively. The pooled mean percentage of maximum depressive symptom severity was 25.1 (38 samples, N = 3180, 95% CI 21.49-28.68). Correlates of depressive psychopathology were also found. CONCLUSIONS At least one-quarter of individuals with FES will experience, and therefore require treatment for, a full-threshold depressive disorder. Nearly half will experience levels of depressive symptoms that are severe enough to warrant diagnostic investigation and therefore clinical intervention - regardless of whether they actually fulfil diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder. Depressive psychopathology is prominent in FES, manifesting not only as superimposed comorbidity, but also as an inextricable symptom domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Herniman
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kelly Allott
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa J Phillips
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Wood
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jacqueline Uren
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sumudu R Mallawaarachchi
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sue M Cotton
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Siu MW, Chong CSY, Lo WTL. Prevalence and clinicians' awareness of psychiatric comorbidities among first-episode schizophrenia. Early Interv Psychiatry 2018; 12:1128-1136. [PMID: 30456864 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the prevalence and clinicians' awareness of psychiatric comorbidities, and to identify factors associated with current psychiatric comorbidities in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients. METHOD In this cross-sectional study, 128 patients with FES, who were in symptomatic remission, were consecutively recruited from a local early intervention clinic. All patients were interviewed using the Chinese bilingual version of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Axis I Disorders, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales, Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder, Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale, Simpson-Angus Scale, Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with psychiatric comorbidities in FES patients. RESULTS The lifetime and point prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among FES patients were 47.7% and 27.3%, respectively. Current psychiatric comorbidities were documented on the medical records of 39.3% of the patients. The FES patients with current psychiatric comorbidities had a lower level of functioning. Depression in FES was also associated with akathisia. CONCLUSION Psychiatric comorbidities are prevalent among community FES patients. In addition to achieving symptomatic remission in schizophrenia, both treating psychiatric comorbidities and minimizing the side-effects of treatment, particularly akathisia, are fundamental for supporting FES patients in their journey to recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man-Wah Siu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Musliner KL, Munk-Olsen T, Laursen TM, Eaton WW, Zandi PP, Mortensen PB. Heterogeneity in 10-Year Course Trajectories of Moderate to Severe Major Depressive Disorder: A Danish National Register-Based Study. JAMA Psychiatry 2016; 73:346-53. [PMID: 26934026 PMCID: PMC6015228 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.3365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Evidence suggests that long-term trajectories of major depressive disorder (MDD) are heterogeneous. The Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register (DPCRR) provides a rare opportunity to examine patterns and correlates of long-term trajectories in a large sample of patients with moderate to severe MDD. OBJECTIVE To characterize patterns and correlates of 10-year course trajectories of MDD in the DPCRR. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cohort containing 11 640 individuals born in Denmark in 1955 or later with their first recorded MDD diagnosis in the DPCRR between 1995 and 2002 was established. Patients were followed for 10 years from the date of their initial MDD diagnosis. Data were obtained from Danish civil and psychiatric national registers in June 2013 and were analyzed from April 4, 2014, to December 17, 2015. Correlates of trajectory class membership were sex, characteristics of the first recorded MDD episode (ie, age, severity, inpatient treatment, and record of suicide attempt or self-harm), and psychiatric diagnoses in parents (ie, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, substance abuse, and anxiety or somatoform disorders). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The outcome variable was past-year contact at a psychiatric hospital with a main diagnosis of MDD during each of the 10 years following the initial MDD diagnosis. Trajectories were modeled using latent class growth analysis. RESULTS The sample included 11 640 individuals (7493 [64.4%] women) aged 18 to 48 years (mean [SD], 31.4 [7.3]) at their first recorded MDD diagnosis. Four trajectory classes were identified: brief contact (77.0%) (characterized by low probability of contact after 2 years); prolonged initial contact (12.8%) (characterized by high decreasing probability of contact during the first 5 years); later reentry (7.1%) (characterized by moderate probability of contact during the second 5 years); and persistent contact (3.1%) (characterized by high or moderate probability of contact throughout). Female sex (odds ratio [OR] range, 1.82-2.22), inpatient treatment (OR range, 1.40-1.50), and severity at first recorded MDD episode (OR range: moderate, 1.61-1.84; severe, 1.93-2.23; and psychotic, 2.73-3.07) were associated with more severe trajectories. Parental anxiety (OR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.10-1.63]) and depression (OR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.28-2.09]) were associated with the prolonged initial contact and later reentry classes, respectively. Parental schizophrenia was associated with the persistent contact class (OR range, 2.55-3.04). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Most people treated for moderate to severe MDD in Danish psychiatric hospitals do not receive additional MDD treatment after 2 years; however, a minority receive specialty treatment for up to a decade. Observable heterogeneity in the course may be indicative of underlying etiologic differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Musliner
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark2The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark3Department of Mental Health, The Johns
| | - Trine Munk-Olsen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark2The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark
| | - Thomas M Laursen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark2The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark
| | - William W Eaton
- Department of Mental Health, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter P Zandi
- Department of Mental Health, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Preben B Mortensen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark2The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bruins J, Jörg F, Bruggeman R, Slooff C, Corpeleijn E, Pijnenborg M. The effects of lifestyle interventions on (long-term) weight management, cardiometabolic risk and depressive symptoms in people with psychotic disorders: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112276. [PMID: 25474313 PMCID: PMC4256304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of lifestyle interventions on bodyweight and other cardiometabolic risk factors in people with psychotic disorders. Additionally, the long-term effects on body weight and the effects on depressive symptoms were examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS We searched four databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared lifestyle interventions to control conditions in patients with psychotic disorders. Lifestyle interventions were aimed at weight loss or weight gain prevention, and the study outcomes included bodyweight or metabolic parameters. RESULTS The search resulted in 25 RCTs -only 4 were considered high quality- showing an overall effect of lifestyle interventions on bodyweight (effect size (ES) = -0.63, p<0.0001). Lifestyle interventions were effective in both weight loss (ES = -0.52, p<0.0001) and weight-gain-prevention (ES = -0.84, p = 0.0002). There were significant long-term effects, two to six months post-intervention, for both weight-gain-prevention interventions (ES = -0.85, p = 0.0002) and weight loss studies (ES = -0.46, p = 0.02). Up to ten studies reported on cardiometabolic risk factors and showed that lifestyle interventions led to significant improvements in waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting glucose and insulin. No significant effects were found for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Four studies reported on depressive symptoms and showed a significant effect (ES = -0.95, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION Lifestyle interventions are effective in treating and preventing obesity, and in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the quality of the studies leaves much to be desired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jojanneke Bruins
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike Jörg
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research center, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Friesland Mental Health Services, Research Department, Leeuwarden, Friesland, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Bruggeman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cees Slooff
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research center, Groningen, The Netherlands
- GGZ Drenthe, Department of Psychotic Disorders, Assen, Drenthe, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Corpeleijn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Pijnenborg
- GGZ Drenthe, Department of Psychotic Disorders, Assen, Drenthe, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Babinkostova Z, Stefanovski B. Forms of antipsychotic therapy: improved individual outcomes under personalised treatment of schizophrenia focused on depression. EPMA J 2011; 2:391-402. [PMID: 23199176 PMCID: PMC3405399 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-011-0103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Depressive symptoms are common in schizophrenia and they can occur during any phase of the disorder. Early diagnosis, adequate differential diagnosis and promptly initiated interventions have been shown to reduce further deterioration of illness and to improve patients' quality of life. Common psychiatric rating scales for early detection of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia are Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, but the most appropriate assessment instrument today regarding this topic is Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia. Treatment of depression in schizophrenia consists of a combination of pharmacologic and psychosocial approach. Atypical antipsychotics have advantages over typical in reducing depressive symptoms in the context of schizophrenia. Most of the studies referred that clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone have an antidepressant spectrum of activity in patients with schizophrenia. Antidepressant augmentation of antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenic patients with depressive symptoms improves depressive symptomatology, particularly SSRI and SNRI augmentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoja Babinkostova
- University Clinic of Psychiatry, Belgradska bb, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Psychiatric comorbidities are common among patients with schizophrenia. Substance abuse comorbidity predominates. Anxiety and depressive symptoms are also very common throughout the course of illness, with an estimated prevalence of 15% for panic disorder, 29% for posttraumatic stress disorder, and 23% for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is estimated that comorbid depression occurs in 50% of patients, and perhaps (conservatively) 47% of patients also have a lifetime diagnosis of comorbid substance abuse. This article chronicles these associations, examining whether these comorbidities are "more than chance" and might represent (distinct) phenotypes of schizophrenia. Among the anxiety disorders, the evidence at present is most abundant for an association with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additional studies in newly diagnosed antipsychotic-naive patients and their first-degree relatives and searches for genetic and environmental risk factors are needed to replicate preliminary findings and further investigate these associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter F. Buckley
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Georgia, 997 St Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912,To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: 706-721-6719, e-mail:
| | - Brian J. Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Georgia, 997 St Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912
| | - Douglas S. Lehrer
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and the Wallace-Kettering Neuroscience Institute
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gupta M. Clozapine and co-prescribed psychotropics: a short report. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2008; 4:11. [PMID: 18439293 PMCID: PMC2386462 DOI: 10.1186/1745-0179-4-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Accepted: 04/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Clozapine is the drug of choice in treatment resistant schizophrenia. It reduces hospitalizations. Patients on clozapine are often co-prescribed other psychotropics. This report looks at a sample of twenty patients on clozapine. It finds that almost two thirds were on a psychotropic along with clozapine. Eight individuals were on an antidepressant; seven on an antipsychotic and five were on co-prescribed valproate. The clinical implications are discussed and a need to look at health services involving clozapine is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maneesh Gupta
- Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Parkwood Hospital, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PW UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Möller HJ. Antipsychotic and antidepressive effects of second generation antipsychotics: two different pharmacological mechanisms? Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2005; 255:190-201. [PMID: 15995903 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-005-0587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Second generation antipsychotics display antidepressive effects in schizophrenic patients that are more pronounced than those of traditional neuroleptics and that go beyond antidepressive effects secondary to the reduction of positive symptoms. The antidepressive potential of second generation antipsychotics is presumably related to their pharmacological mechanisms, which differ from those of traditional neuroleptics. Among others, 5-HT(2A) antagonism is of special relevance for most of the new antipsychotics in this respect. But also special interactions with the dopaminergic system, as is the case with amisulpride and aripiprazole, or noradrenalin- and/or serotonin-reuptake-inhibition, as with ziprasidone and zotepine, should be considered. It can be summarised that the antipsychotic and antidepressive effects of second generation antipsychotics are mostly based on different pharmacological mechanisms. This might be especially true for direct antidepressive effects, i. e. antidepressive effects that are not mediated by the reduction of positive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Jürgen Möller
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|