Management of depression in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a critical review of international guidelines

Objectives Depression is a frequent but potentially treatable clinical dimension in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (PWS). However, there is a lack of consensual recommendations regarding the optimal strategy to manage depression in PWS. In this study, we aimed to compare the various proposed strategies to define a core set of valid care recommendations for depression management in PWS. Methods After a systematic search of the literature, the methodological quality of 10 international guidelines from four continents was compared using a validated guideline appraisal instrument (AGREE II). Key recommendations for the management of depression in PWS were subsequently reviewed and discussed. Results The methodological quality of the guidelines was heterogeneous. Although all guidelines proposed pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions were a minor concern. Waiting for antipsychotic effects mostly was recommended during the acute phase of schizophrenia. During the postpsychotic phase of the illness, a switch to a second‐generation antipsychotic and/or the adjunction of an antidepressant were the primary recommendations. Cognitive behavioural therapy and other medications were considered with strong variations. Conclusions Further studies are needed to strengthen the level of evidence for antidepressive approaches in PWS. The inclusion of PWS as stakeholders is also considered to be a major issue for future guideline development.