Quality of life and depression in schizophrenic patients.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to assess depressive symptoms, and to establish their influence on the subjective and objective quality of life (QOL) in schizophrenia patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy four subjects: 46 male and 28 female, aged 24.7 +/- 6.7 years, were enrolled for the study. World Health Organization of Life Instrument-Bref (WHO-QOL-BREF), Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) were used. RESULTS Severity of depressive symptoms showed moderate correlation with objective and strong correlation with subjective measures of QOL. CONCLUSIONS Detection and appropriate treatment of depressive symptoms in schizophrenic patients may affect their functioning and perception of own health.