Lifelong Learning: Poststroke Depression: An Update-View Article

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The article discusses Poststroke Depression (PSD), focusing on its diagnosis, prevalence, risk factors, and treatment. PSD, affecting approximately 30% of stroke survivors, has been recognized for over a century, but significant clinical advancements in treatment and prevention emerged from the 1970s. Randomized controlled trials confirm antidepressants' efficacy in treating PSD, enhancing cognitive and physical stroke recovery, and potentially improving long-term survival. Diagnosing PSD is challenging due to overlapping depression and stroke symptoms, but strategies like separating symptoms into somatic and psychological categories help. Lesion location, such as left frontal or basal ganglia lesions, is linked with PSD, although the association is transient.<br /><br />Genetic factors, like serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms, are influential in PSD, while strong social support decreases PSD incidence. PSD often correlates with cognitive impairments and influences stroke recovery outcomes. Cognitive function, particularly executive dysfunction, is closely tied to PSD.<br /><br />Regarding treatment, antidepressants show consistent efficacy, though concerns about potential risks like increased stroke or myocardial infarction exist. The article highlights alternative therapies, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as potentially beneficial. Prevention strategies are also essential, given the frequency of PSD post-stroke. The document emphasizes the necessity for future research focused on underlying PSD mechanisms that may lead to novel therapeutic interventions. Identifying specific biomarkers and elucidating how antidepressants aid physical and cognitive recovery could significantly advance PSD management approaches.

Keywords

Poststroke Depression

PSD diagnosis

stroke survivors

antidepressants efficacy

cognitive recovery

genetic factors

social support

executive dysfunction

alternative therapies

biomarkers