Depression and Anxiety after Stroke in Young Adult Filipinos

Young adult patients may suffer from poststroke depression (PSD) and anxiety. Few studies have evaluated these important psychiatric conditions that may lead to adverse outcomes in young adults. We aimed to determine the prevalence of PSD and anxiety as well as to identify their predictors in a population of young Filipino adults (18-49 years old).

We performed a cross-sectional epidemiologic study in the largest tertiary hospital in the Philippines. The study involved the administration of a structured survey tool and review of medical records. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score - Pilipino version (HADS-P) was used to screen for anxiety and depression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant socio-economic and clinical risk factors of PSD and anxiety.

114 young adult stroke patients were included. The prevalence of depression was 20.2% while that of anxiety was 34.2%. Significant predictors of PSD were the presence of anxiety (OR 1.84; CI 1.05-3.22), lower mRS scores (mRS 3-5 OR 5.52; 95% CI 1.09-8.03) and diabetes (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.67-6.26). Meanwhile, significant predictors of poststroke anxiety included depression (OR 7.5; 95% CI 5.02-21.94) and dependency (Barthel Index scores 95-100; OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-0.99). Relationship status, educational attainment, stroke subtype and location were not found to be significant predictors of PSD and anxiety.

A significant proportion of young adults suffered from depression and anxiety after stroke. Clinicians should be aware of these psychiatric conditions that influence outcomes and quality of life of young adults with stroke.