There are approximately 500,000 strokes that occur in the United States. Of those strokes, about 70 to 80 percent of patients survive the stroke. Of those patients who survive the stroke, depression occurs in approximately 40 to 50 percent of patients. Major depression occurs in about 20 percent of patients. Despite this, most patients are not routinely screened for depression, and only a small minority are properly diagnosed.

Depression after a stroke has been linked to reduced quality of life and death, but relatively little is known regarding its prevalence or treatment.

A recent study conducted by Seana L. Paul, from the National Stroke Research Institute in Victoria, Australia, and colleagues analyzed data on 441 patients who were 5-year stroke survivors. Roughly half of the survivors were female and the average age was 74 years. Depression was assessed in 289 of the subjects using a standard questionnaire-based test. The investigators identified depression in 17 percent of the group. Just 22 percent of depressed patients were taking an antidepressant medication.

It’s known that stroke survivors who are not depressed live longer and have higher-quality lives than those who are depressed. Consequently, educating physicians, stroke survivors and their families about the risk of depression after stroke may increase identification of depression and lead to improved treatment.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 6 Oct 2006
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.