ABSTRACT
Background: Post Stroke depression (PSD) is considered as a frequent neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke. Approximately one third of stroke survivors experience major depression. This condition can have adverse effects on cognitive function, functional recovery and survival. Aim: The current study examined prevalence of depression in post stroke survivors, its relation with site of lesion, laterality and. sociodemographic factors. Method: After obtaining consent, selected sample of post stroke survivors were diagnosed as post stroke depression based on ICD10 diagnostic criteria. Depression was quantified using HDRS and MADRS before discharge, at the end of first month and three months. Socio demographic profile was obtained. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Results: 32 patients of mean age (46.25yrs) and post stroke duration (2 weeks – 3 months) were included in the study. Twenty of thirty two post stroke survivors( 62.5%) met the criteria for depression at the time of discharge i.e. 2 weeks post stroke period, prevalence of PSD was 19 (59.37%) during 2nd assessment and 13(48.15%) during 3rd assessment. PSD was significantly associated with right sided lesions (p value = 0.013). In patients with left sided lesion, it is most commonly seen with sub cortical (p value = 0.003). Middle age was significantly associated with PSD (p value = 0.03). Female sex was associated with PSD in left sided lesions (p value = 0.02). No significant difference was found between first, second and third assessment of HAMD, MADRSS scores in depressed patients. No change in depression scores was found in both left and right sides at all assessments. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for early detection of depression in post stroke survivors. PSD is related to laterality of lesion, middle aged group and female sex. PSD is maintained at 3 months follow up. These results highlight the need to investigate, diagnose and treat post stroke depression.