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Poststroke depression in acute phase after stroke
A Berg1, H Palomäki, M Lehtihalmes
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. anu.berg@ekshp.fi
Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 4, 2001
Summary
Older patients are more vulnerable to acute poststroke depression. Stroke severity is linked to depression when the lesion is in the left hemisphere or brainstem.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common complication following stroke.
- Understanding factors contributing to PSD is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of acute poststroke depression.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with PSD in the early phase after stroke.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 100 patients (aged 27-70) were assessed two weeks after their first clinically significant stroke.
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to screen for depressive symptoms.
- Neurological assessments identified lesion location (left hemisphere, brainstem) and stroke severity.
Main Results:
- 27% of patients exhibited depressive symptoms (BDI score >= 10), while 5.6% met criteria for major depression.
- Older age was significantly associated with a higher vulnerability to poststroke depression.
- Depression was associated with stroke severity in patients with left hemisphere or brainstem lesions.
Conclusions:
- Acute poststroke depression is prevalent, particularly among older stroke survivors.
- Lesion location and stroke severity are important factors in the development of early PSD.
- Targeted screening and interventions for at-risk populations may improve outcomes.