title: The relationship between the perception of social support and post-stroke depression in hospitalized patients.
abstract: In our study we examined the relationship between the perceived adequacy of social support and post-stroke depression in 76 hospitalized Australian patients. Social support or the perception of its lack, particularly from a spouse care-giver, was associated significantly with both the presence and severity of depressive disorder. Furthermore, depressed patients who perceived their support to be inadequate had a longer duration of depressive illness than depressed patients who perceived their support in a more favorable light. We conclude that following stroke, perception of social support from key relationships may mediate the emotional response to this life crisis. The implications of these findings are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Raphael
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bishop
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000523:psychology; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000523:psychology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D009517:New South Wales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support