How Common is Depression After a Stroke?:
Depression is understandably quite common after a stroke. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 10 to 27 percent of stroke survivors will experience major depression and an additional 15 to 40 percent will have symptoms of depression within two months following a stroke. The average duration of major depression post-stroke is just under one year.
Depression is understandably quite common after a stroke. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 10 to 27 percent of stroke survivors will experience major depression and an additional 15 to 40 percent will have symptoms of depression within two months following a stroke. The average duration of major depression post-stroke is just under one year.
The size and location of the stroke, a previous or family history of depression and pre-stroke social functioning all appear to affect the likelihood and severity of depression after stroke.
Stroke recovery can be negatively affected by depression, especially major depression, because it can cause the stroke survivor to loose their motivation to recover and to become less compliant with their rehab program. Depression can also cause the stroke survivor to have behavioral and personality changes.
Depression in stroke survivors is often undiagnosed and untreated. It is unfortunately viewed as a natural or inevitable response to the effects of the stroke. However, depression is a separate illness that can be successfully treated.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?:
The National Institute of Mental Health recommends that anyone who experiences five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks seek a medical evaluation for depression:
The National Institute of Mental Health recommends that anyone who experiences five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks seek a medical evaluation for depression:
- Persistent sad or "empty" mood
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, early-morning waking or oversleeping)
- Eating disturbances (loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain)
- Difficult concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Chronic aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
What is the Treatment for Depression After a Stroke?:
Post-stroke depression is most often treated with anti-depressant medications. It is important that all of doctors are aware of all of the medications that have been prescribed, so any unfavorable interactions can be avoided. Also, it is a good idea to have all of your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy, so the pharmacist can alert your doctor of any potential problems.
Post-stroke depression is most often treated with anti-depressant medications. It is important that all of doctors are aware of all of the medications that have been prescribed, so any unfavorable interactions can be avoided. Also, it is a good idea to have all of your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy, so the pharmacist can alert your doctor of any potential problems.
Your doctor may refer you to a mental-health care provider to help treat your depression. Sometimes psychotherapy is also recommended and your family may also be included.
Recovery from depression takes time, some anti-depressants take several weeks before they begin to help.
Recovery from depression takes time, some anti-depressants take several weeks before they begin to help.
For More Information About Depression:
