The rationale for antidepressants in the treatment of schizophrenia: A modern view on the problem in the context of evidence-based medicine

Abstract

The paper discusses whether antidepressant treatment is rational in schizophrenics. It analyzes the results from trials evaluating the efficiency of the therapy in patients with depressive, negative, or obsessive-phobic symptoms. The validity of results of these trials is assessed. The results of demonstrative trials of the efficiency of therapy with different representatives of antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) in the above patient groups are given separately and compared with the data obtained in observational studies. Emphasis is placed on the criticism of shortages of procedures and results of demonstrative trials conducted in foreign countries. Prospects for further trials evaluating the efficiency of antidepressant therapy for schizophrenia are depicted.

Keywords

• antidepressants
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• schizophrenia
• depression
• negative symptoms
• obsessive-phobic (obsessivecompulsive) symptoms
• evidence-based medicine
• observational studies