POST-STROKE DEPRESSION AND ITS RISK FACTORS – CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the leading, although preventable complications, after ischemic stroke (IS). Our study aimed to examine PSD and the leading causes for its development Contingent and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we examined 107 post-stroke survivors (66.67±9.03years old, 65 males and 42 females) for PSD in a two-step model (at the acute stage and at the 3rd month after stroke) with 21 Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Results: 33% of examined patients showed depression at the acute and 30% at the chronicIS stage. 1/4 to 1/3 of the others had subclinical depression. The severity of depression in most of the cases was mild. Very few of our patients (2 at the acute tage and 1 at the chronic stroke stage) had severe depression. The main risk factors for PSD were stroke severity, subcortical localization of stroke, leukoaraiosis, ageing, loneliness and some comorbidities (that lead to systemic inflammation, changes in neurotransmission and impaired brain plasticity). Conclusion: PSD is one of the main complications of acute IS. It should be assessed, prevented and treated as soon as possible.