Depression is a common and serious complication after a stroke.
It's largely unrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.
Depression can result from a biochemical change in the brain due to stroke,
or from an emotional reaction to one.
About 30% of stroke survivors develop depression.
It can occur right away,
or months, or even years after a stroke.
Depression may increase with stroke severity, but the processes
underlying post-stroke depression are not completely understood.
Post-stroke depression or PSD is a feeling of hopelessness that
interferes with functioning.
It's associated with higher death rate,
poor recovery, problems with thinking such as inability to remember, learn new
things or concentrate, poor functional outcomes and lower quality of life.
Symptoms of post-stroke depression include depressed mood called
anhedonia, persistent, sad, anxious, or empty feelings, significant
fatigue, or lack of energy.
Lack of motivation, withdrawal from family and friends, problems concentrating
or remembering details, difficulty finding enjoyment in anything, sleep,
disturbances, irritability, an increase or decrease in appetite or change in
eating patterns, feeling helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
aches, pains or digestive problems that don't get better with treatment.
suicidal thoughts, your healthcare professional should evaluate you for
depression during a follow-up visit.
Several factors can predict whether you're at risk of post-stroke depression.
These include a history of depression, physical disability, stroke severity,
cognitive impairment, previous stroke.
A family history of psychiatric conditions, being a woman, a lack
of family and social support after stroke, and anxiety after stroke.
Stroke patients present unique challenges in identifying depression, aphasia,
or other stroke related neurological conditions may hinder depression's
identification and treatment.
There are a variety of screening tools available.
It's important to include family members or caregivers and the
evaluation process because symptoms of depression might not be easily
identified by the stroke survivor.
Patient education about stroke and the opportunity to talk
about the impact of stroke on people's lives is very important.
Because of the complexity of post-stroke depression,
several treatments should be tried.
To determine if they're helpful specifically to you.
Post stroke depression can be treated.
Treatments may include antidepressants, which should be closely monitored
for their effectiveness.
Antidepressants may help people enjoy life again.
Psychotherapy, though.
it is not clear whether psychotherapy alone can help post-stroke depression.
Examples of psychotherapy include
cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and
supportive psychosocial intervention.
Patient education, counseling, and social support may all be added
as components of a treatment plan.
If you've been cleared to exercise a structured exercise program for
at least four weeks, in addition to other treatment might also help
treat your post stroke depression.
Finding a stroke support group can be beneficial.
There you can connect with other stroke survivors and share your story.
You can also learn of resources and services in your community to help
make your post stroke journey easier.
Remember, if you have depression, talk to your healthcare professional,
be open and honest and explain what you're experiencing.
Make it clear that what you're going through started after your stroke.