No abstract

Since existing depression scales were designed for assessment of depression in non-psychotic populations, such scales have items which do not distinguish depressed from non-depressed psychotic subjects. The authors describe a new scale, the Calgary Depression Scale, which was designed for the assessment of depression in schizophrenia. The scale was derived from two existing scales by factor analysis and reliability analysis. It has been further tested in two new samples. In the first it has been shown to be reliable, congruent with a self-report scale and valid. In the second sample it has been shown that there is no overlap with negative or extrapyramidal symptoms.

No abstract

Results for this group are similar to those reported in the literature. Correlates are often the consequence of non-adherence. Non-compliance has to be anticipated and relationships maintained with patients and families to intervene as soon as possible to minimize the consequence of non-compliance.

A significant treatment difference in the conversion-to-psychosis rate was not demonstrated. However, these results may be influenced by low power. The nearly significant differences suggest that olanzapine might reduce the conversion rate and delay onset of psychosis. Olanzapine was efficacious for positive prodromal symptoms but induced weight gain. Further treatment research in this phase of illness is warranted.