Atypical Antipsychotics for Treatment of Depression in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders

Depression in schizophrenia may be partially responsible for the increased suicide rate in patients with this disorder. The suicide rate in this population is more than 20 times higher than that found in the general population. Affective disorders in patients with schizophrenia are associated with a poor outcome, an increased risk of relapse, & a high rate of suicide. There is evidence that atypical antipsychotics may contribute to a decrease in suicidality, & although the new drugs are marketed for the treatment of schizophrenia, their novel psychopharmacologic effects suggest the possibility of other therapeutic applications. (28 refs.)