Alajbegovic, A., Alajbegovic, S., Djelilovic-Vranic, J., Nskicevic, A., Todorovic, L. (2014). Post stroke depression. Medical Archives; 68(1): 47-50
Post stroke depression is one of the most frequent and important psychiatric consequence of stroke. It has been shown to effect cognitive function, functional recovery and survival. This study investigated prevalence of this depression after different types of strokes as well as gender, age, and severity comparisons. This study included 210 stroke patients who were followed through the acute phase (first 2 weeks) of the disease. Patients were equal numbers of male and female. All patients were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory which contains 21 items rated on 4 point scale. Results show that post stroke depression was significantly more common in women than men. It was also more prevalent among younger patients (52-60) and patients experiencing a more severe stroke. Finally this study also found that post stroke depression was more frequent in patients with stroke legions in the left hemisphere of the brain. However insufficient evidence is available to determine whether LCVA increases the risk for post stroke depression. Past research has been contradicting in terms of lesion location. Some of this research wasn't clear as to phase post stroke or whether patients have experience single stroke versus recurring stroke or have had past history of depression.
It is important for clinicians to understand this condition for stroke patients. Post stroke depression has been shown to have adverse effects on the rehabilitation process. It can also increase fatigue, a major symptom of both stroke and depression which can make it difficult for patients to participate in therapy session. This suggests that occupational therapy practitioners should put great focus on increasing of ADL and functional independence when treating stroke patients which may help to combat their depression.
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