Depression and anxiety are common after a stroke, affecting 1 in 3 and 1 in 4 survivors, respectively. These disorders are associated with higher mortality rates and hinder the path to recovery. Recent research suggests the need for new guidance on poststroke depression (PSD) and anxiety (PSA) screenings and treatments. Risk factors for PSD include previous mental illness, family history, female gender, and stroke severity. Neurologic damage from the stroke plays a significant role in the development of PSD and PSA. Effective treatment options for PSD include escitalopram and sertraline, while data on benzodiazepines for PSA are limited. New large-scale studies are needed to improve screening and treatment guidelines for PSD and PSA.
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Time for New Guidance on Poststroke Depression, Anxiety?
