According to stroke experts, depression after stroke is very common and is likely to be caused by the psychological impact of stroke, or due to electrical or chemical changes in the region of the brain impacted by stroke.
A scientific statement published by the American Stroke Association suggests that an estimate one-third of stroke survivors will experience depression, compared to 5-13 per cent of adults who haven’t had a stroke.
Untreated depression can become an added hurdle in post-stroke recovery, as well as affecting overall quality of life.
Senator John Fetterman, has been the topic of many US politics discussions recently due to the well known case of his stroke in May 2022, he has sought in-hospital treatment for depression since, which has opened up discussion in the US to a wider audience including the media, on the ties between stroke and depression.
Lee H. Schwamm, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, says: “Depression following a stroke can be a normal psychological reaction to the stress of the injury, disability or brush with mortality brought on by the stroke.”
In some cases, post-stroke depression can be caused by structural, electrical or biochemical changes in the brain. If certain regions of the brains are injured, the systems that regulate emotion may be damaged and produce depression, anxiety or PTSD-like symptoms in stroke survivors.
Schwamm suggests that stroke survivors who experience depressive symptoms should seek evaluation and treatment with a qualified professional.
Self-care is critical post-stroke, due the effects stroke can have on sleep, eating, continence and other bodily functions, it’s also of vital importance, that if able to, for stroke survivors to reach out to friends and family for emotional support.
Stroke and depression still carry social stigma, which leaves many stroke survivors feeling a reluctance to seek help, meaning they may need further guidance to acknowledge depressive symptoms and seek treatment.
The American Stroke Association’s advice on depression is as follows: “As with all forms of depression, a combination of counselling, medication, stress-reduction, and regular exercise can all be helpful. Because depression is a serious health condition, treating it promptly and effectively is vital.
“Treating depression not only improves mood, but it also boosts physical, cognitive and intellectual recovery.
“Several studies show that depression goes hand in hand with lower levels of social support. Support from family, friends, a stroke support group or a combination of resources can be beneficial for a stroke survivor’s mental long-term wellbeing and can be an important part of a treatment plan for post stroke depression.”
