INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Indianapolis researches say getting patients to understand depression was part of a highly effective treatment plan for post-stroke depression.
"Post-stroke depression, which may be the result of a combination of chemical changes in the brain that impair its ability to repair itself as well as functional changes which inhibit social interaction and activity, occurs in about a third of all stroke survivors," said Dr. Linda Williams, associate professor of neurology and a Regenstrief Institute research scientist.
"Depression after stroke is associated with higher death rates, diminished recovery, increased risk for subsequent stroke and other cardiovascular incidents, and greater health-care utilization," she said.
The researchers used a three-step system: getting stroke patients and their families to understand and accept depression diagnosis and treatment; prescribing antidepressants; and monitoring treatment effectiveness.
Thirty-nine percent of the patients had complete remission from depression after 12 weeks of treatment compared to 23 percent who had complete remission with usual care, the researchers said in the March issue of the journal Stroke.
