Depressive Symptoms In Stroke Patients Research Articles

Analysis of factors associated with depressive symptoms in stroke patients based on a national cross-sectional study

Post-stroke depression is commonly experienced by stroke survivors and has a significant negative impact on the physical, cognitive, and social functioning of those affected. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated factors in Chinese stroke patients. Research samples were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2018 survey. Depression was evaluated using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, with a score ≥ 10 defined as depression. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to examine the associations of depressive symptoms with demographics, family relationships, health status, and lifestyle. A total of 963 stroke patients were included and 57.8% of them had depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with female sex (OR 1.762, 95% CI 1.235–2.514), lower education level (non-formal education: OR 2.148, 95% CI 1.235–3.737, primary to secondary school education: OR 1.964, 95% CI 1.272–3.033), dissatisfaction with spouse (OR 1.912, 95% CI 1.075–3.401), dissatisfaction with life (OR 1.779, 95% CI 1.080–2.931), dissatisfaction with health (OR 1.592, 95% CI 1.138–2.226), pain (OR 1.392, 95% CI 1.005–1.928) and abnormal sleep (OR 1.557, 95% CI 1.126–2.152). The findings suggest the need for regular depression screening and evaluation after a stroke, and that a well-functioning support system, effective health management, and lifestyle modifications could potentially improve the mental state of stroke patients.

Depression in Stroke Survivors: Ten-Year Follow-Up. Determinants of the Natural Course of Depressive Symptoms in Stroke Survivors in the Netherlands: The SMART-Medea Study

ObjectivesStroke is the second most common cause of death and a major cause of disability. Besides the physical consequences, depressive symptoms are frequent in the aftermath after stroke. Every year, approximately 15 million stroke survivors worldwide are at risk of developing post-stroke depression. In this study we describe the natural course of depressive symptoms in stroke patients over a long-period of time post stroke and identify associated determinants. Materials and methodsFrom the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease-Memory, depression and aging (SMART-Medea) study, an observational prospective cohort study, we selected patients with cerebrovascular disease, and used the biannually collected data of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depressive symptoms. A score of ≥10 indicated the presence of depressive symptoms. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify prognostic determinants for courses of depressive symptoms after stroke. ResultsDuring a mean follow-up time of 7.9 years, 62% of the 172 participants was never depressed, 19% had a single episode and 19% had recurrent depressive symptoms. Physical function was associated with increased risk for single episode and recurrent depressive symptoms (OR=1.06 [1.01-1.11]). OR's for social, mental and (vascular) comorbidities variables were not significant. Participants’ physical function was only measured at baseline. Several relevant variables were not present in this dataset, including information about clinical events during follow-up. ConclusionNearly 40% of the participants are confronted with depressive symptoms on the long-term. Physical function plays a substantial part for stroke survivors in the development of these symptoms.

The Effect of Structured Handicraft Program on the Improvement of Cognition and Depressive Symptoms in Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

The Effect of Structured Handicraft Program on the Improvement of Cognition and Depressive Symptoms in Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

The Association of Free Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids with the Severity of Depressive Symptoms in Stroke Patients

The study was designed to demonstrate the relationship of free fatty acids (FFAs) and eicosanoids levels with the severity of depressive symptoms in stroke. The ischemic stroke patients (n = 74) were included in the prospective study. The risk of depression was evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) 7 days and 6 months after the stroke onset. FFAs and inflammatory metabolites were determined by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography. In the acute phase of stroke, BDI-II and FFAs inversely correlated with C13:0 tridecanoic acid, C15:1 cis-10-pentadecanoid acid, C17:1 cis-10- heptadecanoid acid, C18:0 stearic acid, C20:3n6 eicosatrienoic acid, C22:1cis13 docosenoic acid and C22:6n3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA level was significantly lower in patients with low vs. high BDI-II score. In the follow-up examination, BDI-II score directly correlated with C16:0 palmitic acid. The changes in BDI-II score during 6-month observation inversely correlated with lipoxin A4 and protectin D1, and directly correlated with 5-oxo-ETE. Importantly, the severity of depressive symptoms was associated with n3 PUFA level. Diet-derived FFAs were observed to potentially affect the inflammatory pathways in pathogenesis of depression in stroke and reduced DHA levels can attenuate depressive symptoms in stroke patients.

Instrumental music therapy reduced depression levels in stroke patients.

Background: Stroke is the fifth cause of death and disability, leading also to depression. However, depression in stroke patients is hardly handled optimally. The purpose of this study therefore is to determine the effectiveness of instrumental music therapy in reducing depressive symptoms in stroke patients.Design and methods: It used a quasi-experiment pre-post design with a simple random sampling with 59 respondents. The respondents were divided into 3 groups as follows; group A (standard treatment), group B (instrumental music therapy), and group C (combined treatment).Results: The results show that the combined treatment provided the most significant influence on reducing the level of depression (P=0.001) with a contribution of 68.6% compared to the group A which was given standard treatment (P=0.001) with a contribution of 61.7%. Instrumental music therapy had no effect (P=0.986), though it contributed most among the three interventions, specifically 82.6%.Conclusions: The study recommended further improvement to include music as treatment options for reducing depression among stroke patients.Significance for public healthStroke is the most significant cause of complex disability, with at least half of all stroke patients suffering disabilities, including depression. Depression often occurs in these patients and is hardly handled optimally, therefore, it is vital to identify appropriate interventions to help them adapt to the long terms effects of the stroke. Instrumental music therapy has been shown to promote cognitive recovery and mood improvement. This study describes the effectiveness of instrumental music therapy in reducing depressive symptoms in stroke patients.

Depressive symptoms after stroke are associated with worse recovery.

More studies are needed on how depressive symptoms in stroke patients can impact outcomes. We evaluated the relationship between depression symptom severity and motor outcomes in a cohort of patients with motor impairment from ischemic stroke. We enrolled consecutive ischemic stroke patients without a clinical diagnosis of depression who presented to a single-center urban academic referral hospital. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale was used to measure depression symptom severity at three months. Three assessments of motor function were collected at stroke onset and three months: Fugl-Meyer upper extremity (FM-UE), Motricity Index, and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). We assessed the association between three-month severity on PHQ-9 scores with the outcome measures using univariable and multivariable linear regression models. Fifty-seven patients (mean age 67.8 ± 17.0 years; 50.9% male; 59.6% Caucasian) were included in the final analysis. Mean (standard deviation) outcome scores at three months were PHQ-9: 6.39 (5), Motricity Index: 86.93 (30.04), FM-UE: 52.67 (17.83), and ARAT: 43.77 (20.03). After adjusting for age, initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and if patient discharged after hospitalization on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, sex, and baseline motor outcome, we found that for every point increase in PHQ-9, the Motricity Index decreased by 0.82 points (p = 0.02) and the FM-UE decreased by 0.77 points (p = 0.049). Depressive symptoms are common in the stroke population. Depressive symptoms after stroke are associated with multiple types of motor impairments. We need better understanding of the biologic and psychologic aspects of depression involved in stroke recovery.

Depressive Symptoms in Stroke Patients: Are There Sex Differences?

Background: We aimed to examine sex differences in symptom characteristics and pharmacological responses in post-stroke depressive (PSD) symptoms. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of EMOTION (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01278498), a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that examined the efficacy of escitalopram for 3 months on depression in patients with acute stroke. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 10-item Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Baseline characteristics, clinical variables, and treatment responses to escitalopram were compared between male and female patients. Treatment responses were defined as changes in MADRS (total score and its components) between baseline and 3 months and were compared between the escitalopram and placebo groups within each sex group. The least square mean was calculated to determine the independent effect of escitalopram, of which interaction was evaluated with patient sex. Results: Of the 478 patients (intention-to-treat population), 187 (39%) were female. Female patients were significantly older than male patients and demonstrated more severe depressive symptoms at baseline (male vs. female, MADRS score, mean [SD]: 9.7 ± 8.0 vs. 12.2 ± 8.4, p = 0.001), especially in apparent sadness, reported sadness, and reduced appetite items. These differences were significant after adjustment for age and the severity of neurologic deficits. The female escitalopram group showed a significant 3-month improvement in MADRS scores (placebo [n = 86] vs. escitalopram [n = 101], least square mean [95% CI] –2.7 [–4.1 to –1.2] vs. –5.0 [–6.4 to –3.6], p = 0.007), and this efficacy was prominent in apparent sadness, reported sadness, and pessimistic thoughts items. However, there was no significant effect of escitalopram on depressive symptoms in the male group. The treatment responses of escitalopram tended to be more pronounced in the female group, particularly in alleviating a subset of depressive symptoms such as apparent sadness (p for interaction = 0.009). Conclusion: PSD may differ according to sex in its symptom characteristics and treatment responses to escitalopram, and tailored treatment strategies for PSD may therefore be needed.

Effect and reliability of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on neuropathic pain, depressive symptoms in stroke patients: Preliminary Study

Objective: In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the effect of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on central pain in patients with stroke. Material and Methods: Ten patients who had a stroke history were included in this preliminary study. Patients with middle cerebral artery lesion, first-time stroke, subacute or chronic lesion and no other neurological involvement were included. Patients were examined before and after the first month of treatment with repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for pain scale measurement; Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Scale (LANSS) and Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4) were used for neuropathic pain level and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depressive mood. All patients received the current treatments and appropriate neurorehabilitation as recommended for the treatment of ischemic stroke Results: This prospective study included a total of 10 post-stroke patients (mean age 58.2 ± 16.1 years; range 29 to 75, 8 male; 2 female) with neuropathic pain. The mean values of VAS, LANSS, DN4 and BDI scales were significantly decreased after rTMS treatment in all patients. Conclusion: We discussed the preliminary results of the efficacy and safety of rTMS in the treatment of uncontrolled neuropathic pain. We consider that, rTMS may have significant effect on relief of chronic pain. These clinical parameters can be utilized for the further study of rTMS application in pain control.

Depressive symptoms in stroke patients treated and non-treated with intravenous thrombolytic therapy: a 1-year follow-up study

IntroductionThis is a prospective study, first to compare the frequency of depressive symptoms in stroke survivors treated, and non-treated, with intravenous thrombolysis and second, to explore relationships between post-stroke depression (PSD) and stroke treatment modalities, taking into account other possible determinants of PSD, including post-traumatic stress symptoms.MethodsGroups of 73 thrombolysed and 73 non-thrombolysed patients matched for age and gender were examined at 3 and 12 months after discharge. PSD was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), disability and social support were assessed with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the Barthel Index and the Berlin Social Support Scale.ResultsAt 3 months, PSD was present in 23.3% of the thrombolysed and 31.5% in the non-thrombolysed groups (p = 0.265). At 12 months, the frequencies were 29.2 and 20.6% (p = 0.229). Logistic regression of the combined group of thrombolysed and non-thrombolysed patients indicated that at 3 months, the adjusted predictors of PSD were disability (OR 24.35), presence of PTSS (OR 9.32), low social support (OR 3.68) and non-thrombolytic treatment (OR 3.19). At 12 months, the predictors were disability (OR 15.78) and low education (OR 3.61).LimitationsThe use of a questionnaire for the detection of depression, the relatively small sample size and a significant drop-out rate could limit the interpretation of these results.Conclusions(1) Thrombolysed and non-thrombolysed stroke survivors had similar frequency of depressive symptoms although the thrombolysed patients had more severe neurological deficits in the acute phase. It can be assumed that if thrombolysis had not been used, depressive symptoms would have been more frequent. (2) Lack of the rt-PA treatment was associated with three-time greater odds of screening for PSD at 3 months post-stroke, after adjustment for other PSD correlates. (3) Therefore, thrombolytic therapy seems to have a positive, but indirect, effect on patients’ mood, especially in the first months after stroke. (4) All stroke patients, irrespective of the method of treatment, should be monitored for the presence of depression.

Individual Prognosis of Symptom Burden and Functioning in Chronic Diseases: A Generic Method Based on Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Measures.

BackgroundInformation to the patient about the long-term prognosis of symptom burden and functioning is an integrated part of clinical practice, but relies mostly on the clinician’s personal experience. Relevant prognostic models based on patient-reported outcome (PRO) data with repeated measurements are rarely available.ObjectiveThe aim was to describe a generic method for individual long-term prognosis of symptom burden and functioning that implied few statistical presumptions, to evaluate an implementation for prognosis of depressive symptoms in stroke patients and to provide open access to a Web-based prototype of this implementation for individual use.MethodsThe method used to describe individual prognosis of a PRO outcome was based on the selection of a specific subcohort of patients who have the same score as the patient in question at the same time (eg, after diagnosis or treatment start), plus or minus one unit of minimal clinically important difference. This subcohort’s experienced courses were then used to provide quantitative measures of prognosis over time. A cohort of 1404 stroke patients provided data for a simulation study and a prototype for individual use. Members of the cohort answered questionnaires every 6 months for 3.5 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a single item from the SF-12 (MH4) health survey. Four approaches were compared in a simulation study in which the prognosis for each member of the cohort was individually assessed.ResultsThe mean standard deviations were 40% to 70% higher in simulated scores. Mean errors were close to zero, and mean absolute errors were between 0.46 and 0.66 SD in the four approaches. An approach in which missing HADS scores were estimated from the single-item SF-12 MH4 performed marginally better than methods restricted to questionnaires with a genuine HADS score, which indicates that data collected with shorter questionnaires (eg, in clinical practice) may be used together with longer versions with the full scale, given that the design includes at least two simultaneous measurements of the full scale and the surrogate measure.ConclusionsThis is the first description and implementation of a nonparametric method for individual PRO-based prognosis. Given that relevant PRO data have been collected longitudinally, the method may be applied to other patient groups and to any outcome related to symptom burden and functioning. This initial implementation has been deliberately made simple, and further elaborations as well as the usability and clinical validity of the method will be scrutinized in clinical practice. An implementation of the prototype is available online at www.prognosis.dk.

An analysis of depressive symptoms in stroke survivors: verification of a moderating effect of demographic characteristics

BackgroundThe rehabilitation of depressed stroke patients is more difficult because poststroke depression is associated with disruption of daily activities, functioning, and quality of life. However, research on depression in stroke patients is limited. The aim of our study was to evaluate the interaction of demographic characteristics including gender, age, education level, the presence of a spouse, and income status on depressive symptoms in stroke patients and to identify groups that may need more attention with respect to depressive symptoms.MethodsWe completed a secondary data analysis using data from a completed cross-sectional study of people with stroke. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.ResultsIn this study, depressive symptoms in women living with a spouse were less severe than among those without a spouse. For those with insufficient income, depressive symptom scores were higher in the above high school group than in the below high school group, but were lower in patients who were living with a spouse than in those living without a spouse.ConclusionAssessing depressive symptoms after stroke should consider the interaction of gender, economic status, education level, and the presence/absence of a spouse. These results would help in comprehensive understanding of the importance of screening for and treating depressive symptoms during rehabilitation after stroke.

Occurrence of Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults after a Stroke in the Nursing Home Facility.

The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults after stroke in a nursing home (NH). The study was conducted in a NH and included 50 patients after stroke with a mean age of 74.62 (±8.2). The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Acceptance Illness Scale (AIS) and Barthel Index (BI) were used. Mean GDS was 7.60 (±2.75); 74% of patients had depressive symptoms. The study showed a significant relationship between GDS and marital status (p=.043). A negative correlations between GDS and MMSE (p=.029), GDS and BI (p=.049), and GDS and AIS (p<.0001) were found. The occurrence of depressive symptoms in older adults after stroke depends on their mental and functional status, degree of acceptance of illness, and marital status. Early detection of depressive symptoms in stroke patients allows rehabilitation nurses to optimize the therapeutic effects.

Exercise for depressive symptoms in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined the effects of structured exercise on depressive symptoms in stroke patients. Methods: We searched for published randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of structured exercise programs (e.g. functional, resistance, or aerobic training) on depressive symptoms. The mean effect size, a 95% confidence interval (CI) and I-squared (I2) for heterogeneity were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: Thirteen studies (n = 1022) were included in the meta-analysis. Exercise resulted in less depressive symptoms immediately after the exercise program ended, standardized mean difference = −0.13 [95% CI = −0.26, −0.01], I2 = 6%, p = 0.03, but these effects were not retained with longer term follow-up. Exercise appeared to have a positive effect on depressive symptoms across both the subacute (≤6 months post stroke) and chronic stage of recovery (>6 months). There was a significant effect of exercise on depressive symptoms when higher intensity studies were pooled, but not for lower intensity exercise protocols. Antidepressant medication use was not documented in the majority of studies and thus, its potential confounding interaction with exercise could not be assessed. Conclusions: Exercise may be a potential treatment to prevent or reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with subacute and chronic stroke.

Depressive symptoms in stroke patients: A 13 month follow-up study of patients referred to a rehabilitation unit

Background Although depression is known to be frequently associated with stroke, it is nonetheless underdiagnosed and under-treated in this patient population. Its effect on outcome for stroke patients is thought to be substantial, but prediction is complicated by other pre- and post stroke factors. The aims of this study was to describe changes in depressive symptoms in elderly stroke patients across a timespan of one year, to examine risk factor for such changes and to explore whether depressive symptoms have any independent impact upon one year mortality and nursing home placement. Methods 194 patients diagnosed with an ischaemic or hemorrhagic stroke was recruited from the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway during the period between March 2005 and August 2006 and followed up for a period of 13 months. Pre-stroke assessment was accomplished by means of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE), the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), the Barthel ADL Index and patient's medical history. Post-stroke assessment at inclusion and follow-up examination was performed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), the Star Cancellation Test, the Barthel ADL Index, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Information was collected from the patients' records. Results Institutionalization at 13 months was predicted by more depression (MADRS) and cognitive impairment (RBANS) at baseline, together with lower pre-stroke social activity levels (FAI). Two factors predicted death at 13 months: Cognitive impairment (MMSE) and greater age. The prevalence of depression was relatively unchanged from baseline (56%) to 13 month follow-up (48%). Among the patients who were depressed at baseline 55% still had MADRS score above six (persistent depression) at 13 months, while 35% in the non-depressed group at baseline had developed depression (incident depression). Persistent depression was significantly predicted by lower pre-stroke social activity levels (FAI) together with a more severe stroke (NIHSS) and worse overall function (mRS) at baseline. Incident depression was predicted by receipt of municipal home help before the stroke and a lower score on the delayed memory tasks on RBANS at baseline.

The effect of very early mobilisation after stroke on psychological well-being

The immobility common to patients after acute stroke has the potential to increase negative mood symptoms. We evaluated the effect of very early mobilization after stroke on levels of depression, anxiety and irritability. AVERT is a randomized controlled trial; patients in the very early mobilization group receive mobilization earlier (within 24 h of stroke) and more frequently than patients in the standard care group. Seventy-one patients with confirmed stroke were included. Patients were assessed on the Irritability, Depression and Anxiety (IDA) scale at multiple time-points. At 7 days, very early mobilization patients were less depressed (z=2.51, p=0.012) and marginally less anxious (z=1.79, p=0.073) than standard care patients (Mann-Whitney test). Classifying IDA scores as normal or depressed, and using backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression, very early mobilization was associated with a reduced likelihood of depression at 7 days (odds ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.61; p=0.009). Very early mobilization may reduce depressive symptoms in stroke patients at 7 days post-stroke.

Sitting balance as an early predictor of functional improvement in association with depressive symptoms in stroke patients

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between sitting balance at an early stage and activities of daily living (ADL) function in 452 stroke patients. The effect of sitting balance on the two core elements of depression (apathy and depressive mood) was also examined. The ability to maintain a sitting position for 10 min (10-min sitting balance) was assessed, along with ADL using the Functional Independence Measurement, and psychological status using the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (depressive mood), Apathy Scale (apathy) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Proportional-hazards analysis was used to determine the independent effect of post-stroke depression on functional outcome. Comparisons between sitting balance and psychological status were performed using logistic multiple regression analysis. Cox multiple regression analysis showed that significant differences were obtained for the sitting balance (P < 0.0002) and Mini-Mental State Examination scores (P < 0.02) in all six ADL subscales, and for age in four of the six ADL subscales (Dressing-Upper Body and Dressing-Lower Body, Toileting, Walking). Kaplan-Meier survival curves for reaching independence in ADL subscales showed highly significantly differences in achievement rate and time to reach goal for each subgroup on 10-min sitting balance (with or without assistance) and on age (young, <65; elderly, >/=65 years). Ten-minute sitting balance correlated with depressive mood and apathy. A rapid and simple screening method, 10-min sitting balance was related to scores for two core depressive symptoms, lowered mood and apathy, and was predictive of post-stroke ADL outcomes in the rehabilitation unit along with age.

Is improvement in impaired cognition and depressive symptoms in post-stroke patients associated with recovery in activities of daily living?

Depression and cognitive impairment after stroke are associated with physical functional outcomes, but there are limited data on whether depressive symptoms and cognitive status and improvements independently influence functional status and recovery. In a 6-month prospective cohort study of 141 post-acute stroke patients, demographic and clinical data on admission, and neurological, cognitive, depressive symptoms and functional variables on admission and at 6 months after stroke were measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Barthel Index (BI). On multivariate analysis, severe activities of daily living (ADL) dependence at 6 months was significantly less likely associated with higher baseline AMT score denoting better cognitive status (OR=0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.97 per score point) and with greater AMT change score denoting greater cognitive improvement (OR=0.61, 95% CI 0.41-0.91 per change score point); it was also more likely with higher baseline NIHSS scores denoting severe neurological impairment, (OR=1.74, 95% CI 1.13-2.63 per point score), NIHSS change score [denoting lesser neurological improvement (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.13-2.93 per unit change score)], but was not associated with baseline or change scores of GDS. Greater magnitudes of functional recovery [BI change score (standardized beta)] were associated with better baseline depressive symptoms (-0.21) and improvement (-0.31), but not with cognitive status or improvement, in the presence of other significant variables, neurological status (-0.89) and improvement (-0.65), lower baseline physical functional status (-0.85) and younger age (-0.23). These data suggest that improving depressive symptoms in stroke patients may accelerate functional recovery, but the level of physical functioning achieved post-stroke is determined by neurological and cognitive factors, consistent with the evidence that improvement of depressive symptoms through therapeutic intervention is limited by cognitive impairment.

New Developments on Drug Treatment Rehabilitation

Increasing interest has been directed to role of pharmaceuticals in the recovery of cerebrovascular events. However, only few scientific studies are available to date, and further research is needed. Amphetamine is the most extensively studied drug shown to promote recovery of function, although clinical data have lead to conflicting results. Other psychostimulants drugs have been proposed, as levodopa or methylphenidate, even if published data are still few. Recently, two studies have been published about the positive role of cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil on stroke recovery. However, such data must still be confirmed by randomized controlled trials. Antidepressant drugs have shown to be effective not only in improving depressive symptoms in stroke patients, but also in decreasing, although partially, the negative impact of poststroke depression on functional outcome. Serotoninergic agents may have a role in improving stroke recovery, in a fashion that is not dependent on their primary antidepressant activity. Last, it is important to be aware that certain drugs as clonidine, prazosin, dopamine receptor antagonists, benzodiazepines, phenytoin, and phenobarbital could have a detrimental effect on the poststroke recovery.