Personality neuroticism and depression after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether personality neuroticism or extroversion traits are associated with post-stroke depression.


METHODS
Ninety-four stroke inpatients undergoing rehabilitation were examined two months post-stroke for the presence and severity of depression and a retrospective assessment was made of life-time neuroticism and extroversion.


RESULTS
Depressed patients (N = 35) had higher neuroticism scores than non-depressed patients. Neuroticism was correlated positively with depressive symptomatology. Extroversion was not associated with depression diagnosis or depressive symptomatology.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that personality neuroticism may be a risk factor for depression following stroke.
Morris
P L
PL
University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Robinson
R G
RG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005120:Extraversion, Psychological; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D009517:New South Wales; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome