A STUDY OF POSTSTROKE DEPRESSION IN A REHABILITATIVE CENTER

This was a prospective study of 52 stroke patients. The incidence of post-stroke depression was 55%. A past history of depression was significantly associated with the clinical assessment of depression. There was no association between the clinical assessment of depression and type and site of lesion and intellectual impairment. The clinical assessment of depression was significantly associated with the degree of functional impairment. The clinical assessment of depression also correlated well with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score. We conclude that post-stroke depression is unlikely to be caused by neuronal injury due to the cerebrovascular accident. There is also a significant reactive component to it. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is suitable for assessing the severity of depression in stroke patients.