Recognition of depression in aphasic stroke patients.
BACKGROUND
Data on post-stroke depression in aphasia are scarce.


METHODS
Eighty-nine acute stroke patients with aphasia of all types were followed for 6 months to investigate if depression can be reliably diagnosed (DSM-IV criteria) and validly assessed by the verbal Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and a global technique (Clinical Global Impressions Rating Scale for Severity). A standard aphasia test was performed.


RESULTS
In 60 patients (67%) at baseline and in 100% at 6 months, comprehension allowed a reliable DSM-IV diagnosis. Among these patients MADRS was feasible in 95% at baseline and in 100% at 6 months. The assistance of relatives and staff increases the feasibility and decreases the validity. Depression was identified in 24% during the 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Depression diagnosis and severity rating can reliably be made in the acute phase in at least two thirds of aphasic patients, and feasibility increases over time.
Laska
A C
AC
Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. ann-charlotte.laska@ds.se
Mårtensson
B
B
Kahan
T
T
von Arbin
M
M
Murray
V
V
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001037:Aphasia / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004644:Emotions; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D020127:Recovery of Function; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014705:Verbal Behavior