Objective To explore the correlation between the depression status of patients with post-stroke depression(PSD) and nerve function defect.Methods 75 patients in the first 24h of acute stroke onset were selected.According to the Zung depression self rating scale(SDS),75 cases were divided into simple stroke patients group and PSD group,and the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and Scandinavian nerve function defect rating scale (SSS) were used for further evaluation.The score results were statistically analyzed.Results Of 75 cases with acute stroke,32 cases(42.7%) were diagnosed PSD.Admission day 2,at the end of 1,2 and 3 weeks,the HAMD scores between PSD patients and simple acute stroke group had statistically significant differences (all P < 0.01).The HAMD scores of three groups of PSD patients (light,medium,heavy) appeared obvious changes with the prolonged time,which were significantly higher than the simple stroke group.The SSS score of simple stroke group and mild PSD patients increased with prolonged observation time,the difference between the two groups was significant (q =9.75,P < 0.05).The SSS score of moderate and severe PSD patients decreased with prolonged observation time,compared with the simple stroke group,the differences were statistically significant(q =50.23,46.82,all P < 0.05).In simple stroke patients and mild PSD patients,HAMD scores and SSS score had no correlation (r =0.062,P > 0.05).In moderate and severe PSD patients,HAMD score and SSS score had correlation (r =4.682,P < 0.05).Conclusion The incidence rate of PSD in acute brain stroke patients was 42.7%,and in patients with moderate and severe PSD,HAMD scores correlated with the degree of nerve function defect.Early intervention on depression treatment and promote the recovery of neural function is also important. Key words: Stroke; Depression; Neurological function impairment