Depression and stroke.
Depression in stroke patients was observed many years ago but only recently has become the subject of systematic study. While estimates of depression vary, some have noted its occurrence in more than half of stroke patients. Our understanding of depression has been facilitated by refinements in diagnostic categories, analysis of contributing factors including the biology of depression, and refinements in evaluation to include cognitive and linguistic impairments that are common after stroke. The ways in which depression may affect rehabilitation and the fate of depression over time have been the subject of recent studies. Management includes sensitizing of caregivers, environmental change, education for patients and families, psychotherapy, and pharmacological interventions.
a Director, Behavioral Science Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine Professor, Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine New York University Medical Center New York , New York.
Leonard
L
Diller
b Psychiatric Consultant Southern New England Rehabilitation Center Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Human Behavior Brown University Providence , Rhode Island Psychiatrist St. Luke's Hospital New Bedford , Massachusetts.
Duane S
DS
Bishop
depression; disability; rehabilitation; stroke