- Contents
- Introduction
- What is depression?
- Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- What is a stroke?
- How are depression and stroke linked?
- How is depression treated in people who have had a stroke?
- What is vascular depression?
- For More Information on Depression
- For More Information on Stroke
- Citations
- Reprints
How are depression and stroke linked?
Many people require mental health treatment after a stroke to address depression, anxiety, frustration, or anger. Several factors may affect the risk and severity of depression after a stroke, including:
- Area of the brain where stroke damage occurred
- Personal or family history of depression or other mood or anxiety disorders
- Level of social isolation before the stroke.2
Stroke survivors who are depressed may be less likely to follow treatment plans and may be more irritable or have changes in personality.3
Stroke, heart disease, and depression may also be related. Stroke and heart disease share some risk factors, such as high blood pressure and being overweight. One recent study showed that older people with heart disease who had more severe and frequent depression symptoms were more likely to have a stroke.4
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