Major life events as risk factors for post-stroke depression

Depression is a significant sequela of stroke which contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in stroke survivors. Psychosocial stressors, such as major life events, pose risk factors for developing depression in non-stroke populations. This study evaluated major life events as a risk factor for developing post-stroke depression (PSD) during the first year post-stroke. One hundred and eleven patients who completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale at four time periods during the first year post-stroke were assessed for PSD and asked if they had experienced a major life event in the prior 6 months (other than the stroke). The subjects completed the evaluations acutely (7-10 days), and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-stroke. At 6 months post-stroke patients were significantly more likely to be depressed if they had a major life event in the prior 6 months (other than the stroke) than if they had not, chi 2 (df = 1) = 4.83, p < 0.028, relative risk = 2.31, 95% confidence interval 1.15-4.62. Life events pose significant risks for developing PSD at 6 months post-stroke. Stroke patients need to be asked about these events and treated for PSD.