Early screening for post-stroke depression and its effect on functional outcomes, quality of life, and mortality: A meta-analysis.

Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common and debilitating condition affecting stroke survivors, significantly impacting their recovery and overall quality of life.

Aim: To assess the effects of early PSD screening on functional outcomes, quality of life, and mortality.

Methods: From an initial pool of 1065 articles, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Functional outcomes were measured using the functional independence measure (FIM).

Results: The analysis revealed a significant improvement in FIM scores for a PSD screening group compared to controls [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 8.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.65-13.15, P < 0.01]. Quality of life was assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale, with the screening group showing significantly higher scores (SMD = 20.83, 95%CI: 15.27-26.38, P < 0.01). Mortality analysis indicated a reduction in five-year mortality rates for the PSD screening group.

Conclusion: Early PSD screening enhances functional recovery, improves quality of life, and reduces mortality rates in stroke survivors. Thus, integrating PSD screening into routine stroke care improves long-term outcomes for patients.