City Research Online

Abstract

Post stroke depression (PSD) is a common consequence of stroke with high prevalence. It is commonly unrecognised and under diagnosed. Despite the extensive research, great differences exist in the estimates of the prevalence of PSD, mainly due to the diverse methodologies used.
This study describes the history and the prevalence of PSD over a period of ten years. It investigates factors that might be related to the development of PSD and it also observes trends between behavioural risk factors and PSD. Data from large unbiased inner city multi ethnic register were used.

This included patients who suffered a first time stroke since 1995, taking into account hospital and community patients. Depressive mood was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

This study confirms a high prevalence of PSD for up to ten years post stroke (up to 19.13%). The group most likely to suffer from PSD in this sample were younger men, people living in an institution, patients with low Barthel and Frenchay Index scores and those who were cognitively impaired. This study further found that certain ethnic groups might be at a risk of under reporting PSD, which could partly be due to their cultural approaches to health care.

Health psychologists should be employed within multi disciplinary stroke teams to work on assessments of PSD and on prevention and management programmes. The results of this study should be used as a baseline while developing intervention studies.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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