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Updated: May 28, 2026
A Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Technique for Inducing Post-stroke Depression in Rats
Published on: May 22, 2019
Depression and anxiety screening after stroke: adherence to guidelines and future directions
Reg Morris1, Jimmy Jones, Julie Wilcox
1Cardiff University /Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Clinical Psychology Training, Archway House, Llanishen, Cardiff, UK. reg.morris@wales.nhs.uk
Purpose:
This article examines practical approaches to increasing rates of screening for depression and anxiety in hospital-based stroke services.
Method:
The literature on depression and anxiety following stroke is briefly reviewed together with evidence relating to screening. A small-scale trial of an educational and support package to improve screening rates compared 30 consecutive admissions before and after the intervention. An extended commentary on the outcome considered alternative approaches to improving screening.
Results:
The literature review confirmed that depression after stroke has multiple adverse effects and that screening is not universally applied. There has been less research into anxiety after stroke, but it is likely that anxiety screening is also incomplete. The trial of the intervention to promote screening demonstrated strong trends towards improvement for depression (23.3%; odds ratio 2.67; χ(2) p = 0.067) and a trend for anxiety (16.7%; odds ratio 1.96; χ(2) p = 0.20).
Conclusions:
Education and training about depression and anxiety screening and access to screening materials improved rates of screening to a limited degree. An extended commentary explored how screening rates might be further improved by considering the intervention strategy, the staffing model, the training approach and the screening methods themselves. Finally, consideration is given to treatment approaches for mood disorders.
