Relationships between stroke, depression, generalized anxiety disorder and physical disability: some evidence from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health

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The objective of this study is to evaluate associations between stroke, depression, anxiety and physical disability. The sample of 19,159 participants aged ≥30 was obtained from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental Health. Depression or anxiety was defined as major depressive disorder (MDD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) within the past 12 months. The history of anxiety was defined as GAD at any time point during the respondent's lifetime. Physical disability was assessed by the past 14-day disability in daily-living activities. For statistical analysis, two logistic regression models (crude and adjusted models) were presented. The results showed that subjects with stroke had greater likelihoods of MDD-GAD comorbidity and GAD only compared those without stroke. People with GAD only had higher likelihood of physical disability than those with neither of the two conditions. Among participants with stroke, lifetime GAD was associated with a greater likelihood of MDD. In conclusion, individuals with stroke may be vulnerable to comorbid depression-anxiety as well as anxiety only. Additionally, subjects with anxiety were more likely to have physical disability. The history of anxiety increased the risk for developing post-stroke depression.