Prevalence of depression after stroke: the Perth Community Stroke Study.
BACKGROUND
The Perth Community Stroke Study (PCSS) was a population-based study of the incidence, cause, and outcome of acute stroke.


METHODS
Subjects from the study were assessed initially, by examination and interview, and at four- and 12-month follow-ups to determine differences in prevalence of depression between the sexes and between patients with first-ever and recurrent strokes.


RESULTS
The prevalence of depressive illness four months after stroke in 294 patients from the PCSS was 23% (18-28%), 15% (11-19%) major depression and 8% (5-11%) minor depression. There were no significant differences between the sexes or between patients with first-ever and recurrent strokes. With a non-hierarchic approach to diagnosis of those with depression, 26% of men and 39% of women had an associated anxiety disorder, mainly agoraphobia. Nine per cent of male and 13% of female patients interviewed had evidence of depression at the time of the stroke. Twelve months after stroke 56% of the men were still depressed (40% major and 16% minor), as were 30% of the women (12% major and 18% minor).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of depression after stroke was comparable with that reported from other studies, and considerably less than that reported from in-patient and rehabilitation units.
Burvill
P W
PW
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, University of Western Australia, Perth.
Johnson
G A
GA
Jamrozik
K D
KD
Anderson
C S
CS
Stewart-Wynne
E G
EG
Chakera
T M
TM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012008:Recurrence; D012803:Sick Role; D014904:Western Australia / Q000453:epidemiology