LACK OF EMPHASIS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION FOR STROKE PATIENTS

It has been observed that most of the patients are not aware of the dilapidating affects of post stroke depression on their recovery, survival and a return to normal activities of life. The lack of emphasis on psychological rehabilitation for stroke patients is a source of concern for me and I would like to bring to your attention about the facts regarding the implications of proper psychological rehabilitation is not undertaken. Stroke survivors report a range of emotional difficulties, most common being fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness and a sense of grief for their physical and mental losses. Usually these feelings may fade over time however, some patients may struggle with adjusting to the many changes following stroke. When this happens these feelings can develop into depression. It is estimated that approximately one-third of stroke1 survivors develop post-stroke depression (PSD)

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Association among depression, cognitive impairment and executive dysfunction after stroke

Dementia & Neuropsychologia ◽

10.1590/s1980-57642012dn06030007 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 152-157 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Luisa Terroni ◽

Matildes F.M. Sobreiro ◽

Adriana B. Conforto ◽

Carla C. Adda ◽

Valeri D. Guajardo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Neuropsychological Tests ◽

Executive Dysfunction ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Quantitative Studies ◽

Post Stroke Depression ◽

The Relationship

ABSTRACT The relationship between depression and cognitive impairment, frequent after stroke, is complex and has not been sufficiently elucidated. Objective: To review the relationship between post-stroke depression and cognitive impairment. Methods: We performed a PubMed database search spanning the last ten years, using the terms post-stroke depression, cognitive dysfunction, cognitive impairment and neuropsychological tests. Our target studies were original quantitative studies that investigated the relationship between post-stroke depression (PSD) and cognitive impairment in stroke patients. Articles published in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese were considered. Selection criteria were the use of neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function, and of either instruments to diagnose major depression, or scales to assess depressive symptoms, within the first three months after stroke. Results: Six original quantitative studies fulfilled the criteria. The prevalence of PSD within the first three months after stroke ranged from 22% to 31%. Incidence ranged from 25% to 27% and was evaluated in only two studies. PSD was associated with increased cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was reported in 35.2% to 87% of the patients. Post-stroke cognitive deficits were reported mostly in executive function, memory, language, and speed of processing. Conclusion: Executive dysfunction and depression occur in stroke survivors, are frequently coexistent, and also associated with worse stroke prognosis. Healthcare professionals need to address and provide adequate treatment for depression and executive dysfunctions in stroke patients early in the first three months after stroke. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy of programs evaluating the early detection and treatment of PSD and executive dysfunction in stroke survivors.

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Changes in PHQ-9 depression scores in acute stroke patients shortly after returning home

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0259806 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0259806

Author(s):

Brent Strong ◽

Michele C. Fritz ◽

Liming Dong ◽

Lynda D. Lisabeth ◽

Mathew J. Reeves

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Recovery Period ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Early Recovery ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Early Recovery Period ◽

Over Time

Introduction Post-stroke depression is a disabling condition that occurs in approximately one-third of stroke survivors. There is limited information on changes in depressive symptoms shortly after stroke survivors return home. To identify factors associated with changes in post-stroke depressive symptoms during the early recovery period, we conducted a secondary analysis of patients enrolled in a clinical trial conducted during the transition period shortly after patients returned home (MISTT). Methods The Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial (MISTT) tested the efficacy of social worker case management and access to online information to improve patient-reported outcomes following an acute stroke. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores were collected via telephone interviews conducted at 7 and 90 days post-discharge; higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify independent predictors of baseline PHQ-9 score at 7 days and of changes over time to 90 days. Results Of 265 patients, 193 and 185 completed the PHQ-9 survey at 7 and 90 days, respectively. The mean PHQ-9 score was 5.9 at 7 days and 5.1 at 90 days. Older age, being unmarried, and having moderate stroke severity (versus mild) were significantly associated with lower 7-day PHQ-9 scores (indicating fewer depressive symptoms). However, at 90 days, both unmarried patients and those with moderate or high stroke severity had significant increases in depressive symptoms over time. Conclusions In stroke patients who recently returned home, both marital status and stroke severity were associated with depressive symptom scores; however, the relationships were complex. Being unmarried and having higher stroke severity was associated with fewer depressive symptoms at baseline, but both factors were associated with worsening depressive symptoms over time. Identifying risk factors for changes in depressive symptoms may help guide effective management strategies during the early recovery period.

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Post-stroke Depression in the Very Elderly Rate and Predictive Factors

10.21203/rs.3.rs-51169/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elias Smadja ◽

Nicolas Chausson ◽

Manvel Aghasaryan ◽

Olga Lainé ◽

Sofiane Saddedine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Stroke Recovery ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Very Elderly ◽

Stroke Incidence ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Post Stroke Depression ◽

Acute Stroke Unit ◽

Potential Factors

Abstract Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects 25–32% stroke survivors. PSD is quality-of-life altering and negatively impacts stroke recovery and mortality. Stroke incidence increases exponentially with age, especially >65 years, but no studies have yet specifically evaluated PSD in older stroke survivors. Because the very elderly are more prone to developing depression, we hypothesized a relatively high PSD rate for them. Methods: Consecutive stroke patients ≥75 years old, admitted to an acute stroke unit, were screened for depression with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale or Aphasic Depression Rating Scale for aphasic patients, ≥15 days to 1-year post-stroke. Potential factors predictive of PSD were assessed. Results: Among 441 consecutive stroke patients, only 78 (17%) patients were evaluated because of high mortality and exclusion criteria. Among them, 44.8% (35/78) developed PSD: 22/78 (28.2%) mild and 11/78 (14.1%) moderate. Multivariate analysis retained only ≥1 mRS-point gain as being independently associated with PSD (OR, 6.2 (95% CI, 1.3–29.2), P=0.020). Conclusion: Our results confirmed the expected high PSD rate in patients ≥75 years, and suggest that PSD should be sought systematically or prophylactic antidepressants prescribed >15 days post-stroke for patients with ≥1 mRS-point gain.

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Morphological and Metabolic Alteration of Cerebellum in Patients with Post-Stroke Depression

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000452557 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 40 (3-4) ◽

pp. 420-430 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ling Zhang ◽

Rubo Sui ◽

Lei Zhang ◽

Zhuang Zhang

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Resonance Spectroscopy ◽

Hamilton Depression Scale ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

1H Mrs ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Cont Group ◽

Post Stroke Depression ◽

Norm Group

Background: To study morphological and metabolic changes of cerebellum with multimodality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), respective, to explore correlation between cerebellum alteration and severity of depression in patients with post-stroke depression. Methods: 60 subjects, including 40 stroke patients and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Depression of stroke patients was tested by Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), based on which stroke-patients were grouped into post-stroke depression (PSD group) and without post-stroke depression (CONT group). Results: Volume of cerebellum decreased in PSD group and CONT group compared with healthy volunteer (NORM) group. White matter of cerebellum in PSD group and CONT group was disrupted; such disruption was significantly in PSD group. In addition, there was correlation between cerebellum volume and FA and HDRS scores (P<00.01). The Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios in cerebellum contralateral to stroke lesion in PSD were higher than those in NORM group (P<0.05). Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios in contralateral cerebellum and ratio difference of Cho/Cr in bilateral cerebellum were positively correlated with HAMD scales (P<0.05). Conclusion: Morphologic and metabolic alterations are evident in patients with post-stroke depression, indicating possible involvement of cerebellum in post-stroke-depression occurrence.

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Factors Associated with Post-Stroke Depression in Chinese Stroke Survivors

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106076 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (11) ◽

pp. 106076

Author(s):

Janita P C Chau ◽

Suzanne H S Lo ◽

Jie Zhao ◽

Kai Chow Choi ◽

Simon K Y Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stroke Survivors ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Post Stroke Depression

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Abstract P32: Potential Underuse of Antidepressants in Post Stroke Depression: Data From the AVAIL Registry

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.4.suppl_1.ap32 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Nada El Husseini ◽

Daniel T Laskowitz ◽

Amanda C Guidon ◽

DaiWai M Olson ◽

Xin Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Stroke Recurrence ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Living Situation ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Depression Status ◽

Post Stroke Depression ◽

Antidepressant Use

Background: Post-stroke depression is common, yet little is known about factors associated with antidepressant use in this population Methods: Data from the multicenter, prospective Adherence eValuation After Ischemic stroke-Longitudinal (AVAIL) registry was used to identify patients with post-stroke depression and to describe factors associated with antidepressant use. The analysis was performed after 3 months in 1751 ischemic stroke patients who had been admitted to 97 hospitals nationwide; 12 month follow-up was available for 1637 patients. The Get with the Guidelines-Stroke database was used to collect baseline data. Patients were classified as depressed based on a self-report scale (the Patient Health Questionnaire-8; score range 0 to 24, score ≥10 indicating depression). Frequencies were compared with Pearson X 2 and unadjusted ORs were calculated. Results: The prevalence of post stroke depression was similar at 3 and 12 months (19% [331/1751] vs 17% [280/1637], respectively, p=0.17). Regardless of depression status, antidepressant use was higher at 12 months (16% [287/1751] vs 20% [334/1637], p=0.002). Antidepressant use was also higher at 12 months in depressed patients (25% [84/331] vs 35% [98/280], p=0.009). The odds of antidepressant use at 3 months was higher in women than men (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1), Whites vs. Blacks (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.8), in patients with vs. without cognitive deficits (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1) and in those with more severe disabilities (mRS≥3 vs. mRS<3, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3). Use did not vary with educational level, marital status, living situation, medication insurance coverage, or stroke recurrence. Similar trends were present at 12 months, except with higher use in those with recurrent stroke or TIA (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.1). Conclusion: Three-quarters of depressed stroke patients at 3-months and nearly two-thirds at 12 months were not receiving antidepressants. Regardless of depression status, utilization of antidepressants after 3 and 12 months varied based on gender, race/ethnicity, cognitive status, disability level, and after 12-months, stroke recurrence. The reasons for the apparent underuse of antidepressants in patients with prevalent post-stroke depression require further study.

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Benefits of antidepressant treatment after a stroke

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.225 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S315-S315 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

O. Zerriaa ◽

O. Moula ◽

S. Ben Saadi ◽

I. Jelalia ◽

R. Ghachem

Keyword(s):

Functional Recovery ◽

Cognitive Skills ◽

Antidepressant Treatment ◽

Antidepressant Drugs ◽

Antidepressant Therapy ◽

Motor Deficit ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Double Blind ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Post Stroke Depression

IntroductionStroke is an important cause of morbidity and is responsible for 9% of all deaths worldwide. The most frequent neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke is post-stroke depression (PSD). It has been shown to be associated with both impaired recovery and increased mortality. The aim of our study is to determine the benefits of antidepressant prescription after a stroke.MethodThe databases from Medline and PubMed were reviewed for articles related to post-stroke depression (PSD), antidepressant treatment and stroke, post-stroke depression and functional recovery, stroke related impairment.ResultsAntidepressant drugs have been shown to be effective in treating PSD in six double blind randomized studies. Patients treated with antidepressants had better recovery from disability than patients who did not receive antidepressant therapy: it was proved that antidepressant drugs cause an improvement in cognitive skills and functional recovery in PSD patients. In patients with ischemic stroke and moderate to severe motor deficit, the early prescription of fluoxetine with physiotherapy enhanced motor recovery after 3 months. Some studies showed that PSD can be effectively prevented: nortriptyline, fluoxetine, milnacipran and sertraline appeared to be efficacious in preventing depression after stroke and are to use without significant adverse effects in stroke patients.ConclusionAntidepressant treatment plays an increasing role in the management of patients with acute stroke. Therefore, early initiation of antidepressant therapy, in non-depressed stroke patients, may reduce the odds for development of PSD, and improve cognitive and functional recovery.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Abstract WP190: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Depression in Stroke Survivors

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.wp190 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Quynh Huong Pham ◽

Anjail Sharrief ◽

Sean Savitz ◽

Amrou Sarraj ◽

Lauren Fournier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness ◽

Daytime Sleepiness ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Patient Health ◽

Post Stroke Depression ◽

The Relationship ◽

Concentration Table

Introduction: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and post-stroke depression (PSD) are risk factors for stroke morbidity and mortality. EDS is commonly seen after stroke, but is not routinely assessed after stroke. EDS may be related to sleep disordered breathing (SDB) including obstructive and central sleep apneas, but can also occur in the absence of SDB. The relationship between EDS and PSD is not well understood. Hypothesis: We sought to assess the association between EDS and PSD. We hypothesized that patients with EDS are more likely to demonstrate symptoms of moderate to severe depression compared to patients without EDS. Methods: We identified ischemic stroke patients from the outpatient clinic registry (06/2014 - 10/2015). We screened for depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; range 0-27, higher worse), and for EDS using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS; range 0-24, higher worse). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate association between EDS and PHQ-9 (moderate to severe depression = PHQ-9 > 9). Regression analysis was also used to evaluate association between EDS and symptoms included in the PHQ-9. Results: Among 200 ischemic stroke patients, 166 completed ESS and PHQ-9 within 90 days of stroke occurrence. Mean age was 61.5 and 54.8% were male. EDS (ESS>9) and moderate to severe depression were each present in 28.9% of patients. Patients with EDS had 3.5 times odds of moderate to severe depression compared to patients without EDS (table 1). Moreover, EDS was associated with higher odds of anhedonia, impaired mood, sleep disturbance, low energy, poor appetite, and impaired concentration (table 1). Conclusion: The presence of EDS is associated with moderate to severe depression in stroke survivors. This is not related solely to SDB symptoms. Patients with fatigue and EDS should be screened for depression. Future studies are also needed to explore the role that SDB plays in this relationship.

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