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Post-stroke depression: outcome following rehabilitation
C K Loong1, N K Kenneth, S T Paulin
1Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Post-stroke depression may not hinder rehabilitation outcomes. Mood and physical function improved significantly by discharge, with initial depression severity predicting final physical impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Post-stroke depression is common and can affect recovery.
- Understanding the impact of depression on rehabilitation is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of rehabilitation on mood and physical recovery in patients with post-stroke depression.
- To identify predictors of rehabilitation outcomes in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 52 patients undergoing rehabilitation.
- Assessment of depression (Hamilton Rating Scale for depression), and physical function (modified Barthel's score) at admission and discharge.
- Exclusion of aphasic, demented, and delirious patients.
Main Results:
- 55% of patients had depression on admission; 98% had physical impairment.
- At discharge, depression reduced to 28.6%, and two-thirds improved physically.
- Initial depression severity strongly predicted final physical impairment; mood improved for most patients.
- No significant difference in Barthel's scores between improved and non-improved mood groups.
- Low-dose antidepressants showed no impact on mood or functional improvement.
Conclusions:
- Depression may not negatively impact rehabilitation outcomes.
- Mood generally improves by the end of the rehabilitation period.
- Admission depression severity is a reliable predictor of final physical impairment outcomes.