title: The assessment of poststroke depression.
abstract: Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common clinical consequence of stroke. PSD is associated with poor functional and social outcomes, reduced quality of life, the presence of cognitive impairment, and increased mortality. Despite the potential benefit associated with the identification and treatment of PSD, it often remains unrecognized and undertreated. The present study provides a critical review and synthesis of measurement properties for 10 instruments used in the assessment of depression following stroke. Assessment considerations specific to PSD are addressed, and tools are reviewed within the context of stroke. To facilitate the timely detection, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment for PSD, a two-step assessment process is recommended, thereby taking strategic advantage of the strengths and limitations associated with self-report and observer-rating assessment tools.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Joseph's Health Care London, Parkwood Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Salter
authors.forename: Sanjit K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Bhogal
authors.forename: Norine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jutai
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Teasell
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*