Are there factors that contribute to post-stroke depression?

This study looked at the incidence of post-stroke depression and factors that may contribute to the occurence of this condition. 

A stroke occurs when there is a disturbance of blood supply to a part of the brain. This can be caused by a blood clot in the brain (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke); both lead to a lack of oxygen and food reaching the brain tissue, resulting in cell death.

Most stroke survivors suffer from changes in their physical and emotional well-being. These changes can include physical disabilities, trouble with speech and language, pain sensation and feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and depression. Post-stroke depression is commonly observed among stroke survivors yet statistical analysis of its prevalance and correlating factors are scarce. This study examines the occurrence of post-stroke depression and its relationship with stroke characteristics. 

91 stroke patients with average of 60 years (range 34-82 years) were assessed within two weeks after ischemic stroke and then followed up at three months. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was used for screening depression.

The occurrence of post-stroke depression was 27.47% two weeks after stroke. The occurrence of post-stroke depression was found to be unrelated with age, stroke type, stroke lesion and the history of disease. However post-stroke depression correlated with female gender, and poor stroke outcome was found to be an important predictor of post-stroke depression. 

This study indicates that that gender, functional dependence (dependency on others) and poor stroke outcome (degree of disability) may contribute to the occurrence of post-stroke depression during the first 2 weeks after stroke. 

The study excluded patients with severe aphasia (disturbance of speech and language) because they could not complete the evaluation, and this might limit the generalization of the study’s findings. 

If you or someone you know have suffered from a stroke, talk to a doctor about the ways in which you can improve or aid stroke disability and manage post-stroke depression.