Post-stroke depression: Difference between revisions

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== Post-stroke Depression ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
[[File:MCA_Territory_Infarct.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of MCA territory infarct, a common cause of post-stroke depression.]]
| name                    = Post-stroke depression
 
| image                  = [[File:MCA_Territory_Infarct.svg|250px]]
| caption                = Diagram of a [[middle cerebral artery]] territory infarct, a common cause of stroke
| field                  = [[Psychiatry]], [[Neurology]]
| symptoms                = [[Depression (mood)]], [[anhedonia]], [[fatigue (medical)]], [[anxiety]], [[irritability]]
| complications          = [[Decreased quality of life]], [[increased mortality]], [[poor rehabilitation outcomes]]
| onset                  = Typically within 3 months post-stroke
| duration                = Can be [[chronic (medicine)|chronic]]
| causes                  = [[Cerebrovascular accident]], [[biochemical changes]], [[psychosocial factors]]
| risks                  = [[History of depression]], [[severity of stroke]], [[social isolation]]
| diagnosis              = [[Clinical assessment]], [[screening tools]] like [[PHQ-9]]
| differential            = [[Adjustment disorder]], [[bipolar disorder]], [[dementia]]
| treatment              = [[Antidepressants]], [[psychotherapy]], [[rehabilitation]]
| medication              = [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]], [[tricyclic antidepressants]]
| prognosis              = Variable; depends on treatment and individual factors
| frequency              = Affects approximately 30% of stroke survivors
}}
'''Post-stroke depression''' (PSD) is a common and serious complication that can occur after a [[stroke]]. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms of [[depression]] that occur after a cerebrovascular event. PSD can significantly affect the recovery and quality of life of stroke survivors.
'''Post-stroke depression''' (PSD) is a common and serious complication that can occur after a [[stroke]]. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms of [[depression]] that occur after a cerebrovascular event. PSD can significantly affect the recovery and quality of life of stroke survivors.
== Epidemiology ==
== Epidemiology ==
Post-stroke depression affects approximately one-third of all stroke survivors. The incidence of PSD can vary depending on the population studied and the methods used to diagnose depression. It is more common in patients with a history of [[depression]] or other psychiatric disorders.
Post-stroke depression affects approximately one-third of all stroke survivors. The incidence of PSD can vary depending on the population studied and the methods used to diagnose depression. It is more common in patients with a history of [[depression]] or other psychiatric disorders.
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
 
The exact mechanisms underlying post-stroke depression are not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to both biological and psychological factors. The location and severity of the stroke, particularly in the [[middle cerebral artery]] (MCA) territory, can influence the likelihood of developing PSD. Biological factors may include changes in [[neurotransmitter]] levels, inflammation, and alterations in brain connectivity. Psychological factors may involve the emotional response to the disability and lifestyle changes following a stroke.
The exact mechanisms underlying post-stroke depression are not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to both biological and psychological factors. The location and severity of the stroke, particularly in the [[middle cerebral artery]] (MCA) territory, can influence the likelihood of developing PSD. [[File:MCA_Territory_Infarct.svg|thumb|left|The middle cerebral artery territory is often involved in strokes leading to PSD.]]
 
Biological factors may include changes in [[neurotransmitter]] levels, inflammation, and alterations in brain connectivity. Psychological factors may involve the emotional response to the disability and lifestyle changes following a stroke.
 
== Clinical Features ==
== Clinical Features ==
Symptoms of post-stroke depression can include:
Symptoms of post-stroke depression can include:
* Persistent sadness or low mood
* Persistent sadness or low mood
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* Difficulty concentrating
* Difficulty concentrating
* Thoughts of death or suicide
* Thoughts of death or suicide
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of post-stroke depression is typically made based on clinical assessment. Healthcare providers may use standardized screening tools such as the [[Patient Health Questionnaire]] (PHQ-9) or the [[Hamilton Depression Rating Scale]] to aid in diagnosis.
The diagnosis of post-stroke depression is typically made based on clinical assessment. Healthcare providers may use standardized screening tools such as the [[Patient Health Questionnaire]] (PHQ-9) or the [[Hamilton Depression Rating Scale]] to aid in diagnosis.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for post-stroke depression may include a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. [[Antidepressant]] medications, such as [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]] (SSRIs), are commonly used. Psychotherapy, including [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT), can also be effective.
Treatment for post-stroke depression may include a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. [[Antidepressant]] medications, such as [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]] (SSRIs), are commonly used. Psychotherapy, including [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT), can also be effective.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for individuals with post-stroke depression varies. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Untreated PSD can lead to poorer recovery, increased disability, and a higher risk of mortality.
The prognosis for individuals with post-stroke depression varies. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Untreated PSD can lead to poorer recovery, increased disability, and a higher risk of mortality.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
Preventive strategies for post-stroke depression may include early screening for depressive symptoms, providing psychological support, and addressing modifiable risk factors such as [[hypertension]] and [[diabetes]].
Preventive strategies for post-stroke depression may include early screening for depressive symptoms, providing psychological support, and addressing modifiable risk factors such as [[hypertension]] and [[diabetes]].
 
== See also ==
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Stroke]]
* [[Stroke]]
* [[Depression]]
* [[Depression]]
* [[Middle cerebral artery]]
* [[Middle cerebral artery]]
* [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]]
* [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]]
{{Stroke}}
{{Stroke}}
{{Mental health}}
{{Mental health}}
[[Category:Stroke]]
[[Category:Stroke]]
[[Category:Mental health disorders]]
[[Category:Mental health disorders]]

Latest revision as of 12:50, 12 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Post-stroke depression
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Depression (mood), anhedonia, fatigue (medical), anxiety, irritability
Complications Decreased quality of life, increased mortality, poor rehabilitation outcomes
Onset Typically within 3 months post-stroke
Duration Can be chronic
Types N/A
Causes Cerebrovascular accident, biochemical changes, psychosocial factors
Risks History of depression, severity of stroke, social isolation
Diagnosis Clinical assessment, screening tools like PHQ-9
Differential diagnosis Adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, dementia
Prevention N/A
Treatment Antidepressants, psychotherapy, rehabilitation
Medication Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants
Prognosis Variable; depends on treatment and individual factors
Frequency Affects approximately 30% of stroke survivors
Deaths N/A


Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common and serious complication that can occur after a stroke. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms of depression that occur after a cerebrovascular event. PSD can significantly affect the recovery and quality of life of stroke survivors.

Epidemiology[edit]

Post-stroke depression affects approximately one-third of all stroke survivors. The incidence of PSD can vary depending on the population studied and the methods used to diagnose depression. It is more common in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The exact mechanisms underlying post-stroke depression are not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to both biological and psychological factors. The location and severity of the stroke, particularly in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, can influence the likelihood of developing PSD. Biological factors may include changes in neurotransmitter levels, inflammation, and alterations in brain connectivity. Psychological factors may involve the emotional response to the disability and lifestyle changes following a stroke.

Clinical Features[edit]

Symptoms of post-stroke depression can include:

  • Persistent sadness or low mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of post-stroke depression is typically made based on clinical assessment. Healthcare providers may use standardized screening tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale to aid in diagnosis.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for post-stroke depression may include a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly used. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be effective.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with post-stroke depression varies. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Untreated PSD can lead to poorer recovery, increased disability, and a higher risk of mortality.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive strategies for post-stroke depression may include early screening for depressive symptoms, providing psychological support, and addressing modifiable risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes.

See also[edit]