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Depression after stroke-analysis of 297 stroke patients
Insights
Depression is common after stroke, affecting 41% of patients at 3 months and remaining high at 1 year. Early diagnosis and improved rehabilitation services are crucial for managing post-stroke depression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke frequently leads to psychiatric disturbances, impacting patient recovery and quality of life.
- Depression is a significant post-stroke complication requiring further investigation into its prevalence and risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the association and severity of depression in stroke patients versus controls at 3 and 12 months post-stroke.
- To identify risk factors associated with depression in the early stages following a stroke.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 297 first-ever stroke patients across two centers over 2 years.
- Utilized Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) with a cutoff of 10 for depression assessment at 3 and 12 months post-stroke.
- Included control groups for comparative analysis of depression rates.
Main Results:
- At 3 months, 41% of stroke patients and 18% of controls were depressed (P<.001).
- Depression rates remained significantly elevated at 12 months (42% vs. 19%, P<.05).
- Univariate risk factors included female sex, severe stroke prognosis, age >70, family history of stroke, and living alone.
Conclusions:
- Depression is highly prevalent among stroke survivors and persists one year after the event.
- Improving post-stroke rehabilitation services and implementing early diagnosis and management strategies can mitigate depression.
- Addressing depression is vital for the well-being of stroke patients and their caregivers.
Abstract:
Stroke is commonly followed by some form of psychiatric disturbance. Association and severity of depression at the 3rd and 12th months after stroke in patients and controls were compared. Two registers of stroke patients were maintained over 2 years period in two different centers--one in Barisal Town and other in Mitford Hospital, Dhaka. A total of 297 first-ever strokes were registered. These patients were called back at the 3rd and 12th month interview and assessment. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), with 10 as the cut off point for depression, was applied to 161 of 212 survivors at the 3rd month and to 156 of 195 survivors at the 12th month. At the 3rd month, 41% of patients and 18% of controls were depressed (P<.001) and the difference was maintained at the 12th month 42% versus 19% (P<.05). Univariate risk factors for depression at the 3rd month were female sex, severe prognostic score at the onset of stroke, age more than 70 years, family history of stroke and living alone after stroke. Depression was common among stroke survivors at the 3rd months and its rate did not decrease at 1 year follow-up. Depression could be decreased if post-stroke rehabilitation services are improved. After the development of depression earlier diagnosis and management help a lot to the patients and care givers.