Post-Stroke Depression and Patient Outcomes
Summary
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common and debilitating complications following stroke, affecting roughly one-quarter to one-third of survivors. It emerges from a complex interplay of neurobiological changes, psychological stressors and social factors, and is associated with poorer functional recovery, reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Symptoms range from persistent low mood and anhedonia to fatigue and cognitive impairment, complicating rehabilitation and daily living activities. Early‐onset depression, occurring within three months of stroke, often persists and recurs, whereas later‐onset cases may follow a distinct trajectory. The burden of PSD extends beyond individual patients to healthcare systems worldwide, underscoring the importance of systematic screening, long‐term monitoring and integrated management strategies that address both psychological and neurological dimensions of recovery.
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Post-Stroke Depression and Patient Outcomes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in post-stroke depression and patient outcomes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Post-stroke depression (PSD): A depressive disorder arising after stroke, marked by mood disturbance, reduced motivation and cognitive symptoms that hinder recovery.
Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population who have a condition at a given time.
Incidence: The rate at which new cases of a condition occur in a population over a specified period.
Neuroinflammation: The inflammatory response within the central nervous system, involving activation of glial cells and release of cytokines.
Microglia: Resident immune cells of the brain that mediate inflammatory reactions and clear cellular debris.
Astrocytes: Star-shaped glial cells that support neuronal function, regulate the blood–brain barrier and modulate inflammatory pathways.
References
- Natural history of depression up to 18 years after stroke: a population-based South London Stroke Register study. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe (2024).
- Prevalence and natural history of depression after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. PLOS Medicine (2023).
- Neuroinflammation and Post-Stroke Depression: Focus on the Microglia and Astrocytes. Aging and Disease (2024).
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