INTERACTION BETWEEN DEPRESSION-ANXIETY DISORDERS AND HYPERTENSION AMONG STROKE PATIENTS: PP.4.155

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was the assessment of prevalence and peculiarities of depression and anxiety in stroke patients, who were previously treated and were not treated for hypertension. Background: Whether the emotional stress lead to the development of hypertension is not certainly known. Some clues may be found in the nervous system response to stress among those with mood disorders. Depressed people displayed the increased activity in their sympathetic nervous systems, the portion of the autonomic system that mobilizes the body in stress situation. Methods: We prospectively identified and examined 134 stroke patients (mean age 68 ± 5,2;male/female ratio 76/ 58) which were divided into 2 groups: I group – stroke patients with history of hypertension and previously treated (71 patients) and II group- stroke patients with history of hypertension which were not treated previously(63 patients). In acute stage and 3 months later depression symptoms were evaluated by Beck Depression Rating Scale, Anxiety Scale, ADL Index, Barthel Index. Results: Depression and anxiety disorders in hypertension-treated stroke patients were found in 21% and 14% respectively, but in untreated hypertensive patients - 28% and 19% respectively. The risk factors effecting the development of depression and anxiety were similar for both groups and comprised the age, gender(male),left hemisphere damage, worse ADL Index, worse BI and lower MMSE. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety in stroke patients, who were not previously treated for hypertension found to be higher than in previously treated stroke patients.