Authors: Huang, JJ; Zhuo, CJ; Song, XQ; Li, YC; Jing, RX; Tian, HJ; Wang, LN; Mao, FQ; Li, S; Jiang, RH; Chen, SL
JOURNAL OF NERVOUS AND MENTAL DISEASE
Volume: 207
Issue: 7
Pages: 555-560
Published: JUL 2019
Language: English
Document type: Review
DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001004
Abstract:
Depressive symptoms can occur at any point in the duration of schizophrenia. However, we are unable to predict if or when depression will occur in schizophrenic patients. Simultaneously, the standard treatment of depression in schizophrenic patients is the combination of antidepressants and antipsychotics, which has been minimally effective for most patients. Based on several studies, we hypothesized the existence of depressive-type schizophrenia and reviewed the substantial evidence supporting the hypothesis of depressive-type schizophrenia. Simultaneously, we propose technical methods to explore the neuropathology of depressive-type schizophrenia in order to identify the disease during its early stages and to predict how patients will respond to the standard treatment strategies. We believe that the new classification of depressive-type schizophrenia will differentiate it from other forms of depression. In return, this will aid in the discovery of new therapeutic strategies for combatting this disease.