This paper reports on the prevalence of depression in 107 patients of the ABC schizophrenia study over 12 years after first hospital admission. All but one of the 107 patients experienced 1-10 episodes of depressed mood between index assessment & long-term follow-up. In any month of the observation period, about 30-35% of the patients presented at least one symptom of the depressive core syndrome. 31 patients experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide at least once & 1 patient experienced 6-10 episodes of suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Depression occurring in the interval was not associated with an increased need for inpatient treatment. (55 refs.)