Cerebrovascular diseases and depression

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2003 Jul;5(3):231-8. doi: 10.1007/s11920-003-0048-7.

Abstract

Cerebrovascular diseases constitute a leading health hazard. The association between stroke and depression has been recognized for many years. Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder associated with cerebrovascular diseases, most episodes of post-stroke depression occur in the first 2 years after a cerebrovascular accident. Studies have found an association between lesion location, physical impairment, cognitive impairment, aphasia, and post-stroke depression. The location of the lesion in terms of proximity to the left frontal pole of the brain has a profound impact on the frequency and severity of post-stroke depression. Treatment modalities include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and rehabilitation. Understanding the psychologic and physical morbidity of post-stroke depression, as well as its timely, comprehensive treatment, are important for effective management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / psychology
  • Dementia / diagnosis*
  • Dementia / physiopathology
  • Dementia / psychology
  • Dementia, Vascular / diagnosis
  • Dementia, Vascular / drug therapy
  • Dementia, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Dementia, Vascular / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / physiopathology
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke / diagnosis*
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Stroke / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Neurotransmitter Agents