The Frequency of Post Stroke Depression

Valentina Asabella, Mira Rakacolli

Abstract: Stroke is the third most common cause of death in developed countries, exceeded only by coronary heart disease and cancer. The purpose of the present study is to determine the frequency and severity of depression in post-stroke patients Based on a cross-sectional research design, in 57 recent stroke outpatients who were referred to the Community Center of Mental Health, No.3, Tirana.28 % of the patients reported depression on BDI and interview-based information. Women were more depressed than men (62.5 % and 37.5 %). Differences were found in lesion side, with patients with lesions in right side reporting higher levels of depression than patients with left side lesions. Motor disturbances were the most prevalent clinical features. Depression and cerebrovascular disease have an overwhelming mutual effect and the treatment of patients should not be neglected

Keywords: cerebrovascular disease, depression, location, lesion