The Effect of Poststroke Depression on Recovery from Stroke

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a major health problem and poststroke depression is known to be one of the frequent and severe psychiatric complications following stroke. Methods: Based on the results of structured psychiatric mental state exams and DSM diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of poststroke depression has been examined in numerous study populations throughout the world. Longitudinal examinations have documented the effect of poststroke depression on recovery from stroke. Results: The mean prevalence of poststroke major depression was 21.1 % and minor depression was 17.1% among hospitalized or outpatient samples. Community samples showed a slightly lower rate of 14.1% and 9.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the existence of poststroke depression leads to poorer physical recovery, greater cognitive impairment, and worse recovery in activities of daily living compared with non‐depressed patients. Several studies have also found that poststroke depression is associated with increased mortality compared with non‐depressed patients who had comparable strokes and similar premorbid risk factors. Finally, several studies have found that successful treatment of poststroke depression improves both cognitive and physical recovery and decreases mortality. Conclusion: The current review documents the beneficial effect of identifying and treating poststroke depression on both recovery and survival following stroke.