Medication and psychological therapy decrease depression in stroke survivors

This study reviewed the effects of medication, psychological therapy (PT), and non-invasive brain stimulation in depression after stroke. Researchers suggested that medication and PT reduce depression and improve mood in stroke survivors.

A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is cut-off. This can be a result of a blood clot or a burst blood vessel. The brain cells stop receiving oxygen and begin to die. These cells lose the ability to control body functions causing physical and mental symptoms.

Depression and anxiety are frequent side effects in stroke survivors which affect their rehabilitation. However, many patients do not receive adequate treatment because their condition is not diagnosed. This is because only half of the patients with depression seek professional help, due to reasons such as shame.   

Given the problems with diagnosis, there is interest in early therapies (such as PT) that can prevent abnormal mood and depression. PT or talking therapy consists of the use of psychological methods to help a person overcome problems. Brain stimulation is also used to treat mental disorders such as depression. It involves placing a medical device on the body that sends electrical impulses to the brain.

So far there are no studies that investigate the different types of therapies that can be used to treat these patients. 

This study reviewed 19 other studies with information about 1771 stroke survivors. There were no trials on brain stimulation, or on combined treatments with medication and PT or brain stimulation.

8 of the studies included in this review suggested that there is a 50% improvement in the odds of having depression in patients treated with medication. 2 trials observed a 32% improvement in the odds of having depression after treatment with PT. 

This study concluded that medication and PT might improve depression in stroke survivors.

This study reviewed trials with very low certainty evidence. Further studies are necessary before adequate recommendations for treatment can be made.