Screening for poststroke major depression: a meta-analysis of diagnostic validity studies

Discharge intervention to improve outcomes and web-based portal engagement after stroke and transient ischaemic attack: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Web-based interventions may assist in post-discharge stroke care. However, strategies for maximising uptake and engagement are needed.

AIMS

To determine the: (1) effectiveness of a discharge support intervention (EnableMe web-based portal and strategies to encourage use) in improving quality of life and reducing depression (primary outcome); anxiety and unmet needs of survivors of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA); and (2) EnableMe use and acceptability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An open, parallel-group, multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the intervention compared to usual care for survivors of stroke/TIA and their support persons. Participants recruited from eight hospitals completed questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety and unmet needs.

RESULTS

98 survivors (n=52 intervention, n=47 control) and 30 support persons (n=11 intervention, n=19 control) enrolled in the RCT. Bayesian analyses showed substantial evidence of an intervention effect on survivors' quality of life scores at 3 months. There was moderate-to-strong evidence of a treatment effect on depression scores and strong evidence that intervention participants had fewer unmet needs at 3 and 6 months. 45 % of intervention group survivors and 63 % of support persons self-reported using EnableMe. 64 % of survivors and 84 % of support persons found it helpful.

CONCLUSION

Substantial evidence for the discharge support intervention was found, with a difference between groups in survivor quality of life, depression, and unmet needs. Acceptability was demonstrated with largely positive attitudes towards EnableMe. Future research should explore different engagement strategies to improve uptake of online stroke resources.

Pathophysiology, Assessment, and Management of Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment, Depression, and Fatigue

Post-stroke cognitive impairment, depression, and fatigue are common, persistent, and disabling. This review summarizes current knowledge on the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of these debilitating neuropsychiatric sequelae of stroke. We briefly review evolving knowledge on the neural mechanisms and risk factors for each condition. We describe patient-reported outcome measures and clinician rating techniques that can be used to assist in screening and comprehensive assessment. We then discuss behavioral and pharmacologic management strategies. Heterogeneity of stroke remains a challenge in management and new research is still needed to optimize and personalize treatments for stroke survivors.

A Narrative Review of Self-Reported Scales to Evaluate Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent chronic condition that has been associated with mental disorders like depression and anxiety. This study intends to provide a practical overview of the most relevant self-reported and self-rating scales that assess depression and anxiety in OSA patients. Materials and Methods: A search for articles was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar using a combination of words for obstructive sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and scales. The tools were ordered by type (screening and rating) and arranged chronologically according to the year of publication. Results: Three scales were identified for assessing depression, which were the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). For rating depression, two scales were discussed: the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which has three versions (the BDI, the BDI-II, and the Fast Screen (BDI-FS)). For assessing anxiety, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale was identified. Two scales were reviewed for rating anxiety: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Each scale is accompanied by a brief description of its practicality and psychometric qualities and an analysis of its strengths and limitations. Conclusions: The findings of this review will contribute to the understanding of the importance of assessing mental health comorbidities in the context of OSA, ultimately guiding clinical practice and future research in this area.

Incident Dementia After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

 Post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID) is a complication that affects long-term functional outcomes after stroke. Studies on dementia after long-term follow-up in stroke have focused predominantly on ischemic stroke, which may be different from the development of dementia after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In this review, we summarize the existing data and hypotheses on the development of dementia after spontaneous ICH, review the management of post-ICH dementia, and suggest areas for future research. Dementia after spontaneous ICH has a cumulative incidence of up to 32.0-37.4% at 5 years post-ICH. Although the pathophysiology of post-ICH dementia has not been fully understood, two main theoretical frameworks can be considered: 1) the triggering role of ICH (both primary and secondary brain injury) in precipitating cognitive decline and dementia; and 2) the contributory role of pre-existing brain pathology (including small vessel disease and neurodegenerative pathology), reduced cognitive reserve, and genetic factors predisposing to cognitive dysfunction. These pathophysiological pathways may have synergistic effects that converge on dysfunction of the neurovascular unit and disruptions in functional connectivity leading to dementia post-ICH. Management of post-ICH dementia may include screening and monitoring, cognitive therapy, and pharmacotherapy. Non-invasive brain stimulation is an emerging therapeutic modality under investigation for safety and efficacy. Our review highlights that there remains a paucity of data and standardized reporting on incident dementia after spontaneous ICH. Further research is imperative for determining the incidence, risk factors, and pathophysiology of post-ICH dementia, in order to identify new therapies for the treatment of this debilitating condition.

Stroke depression: a concept with clinical applicability

Stroke is a common neurological condition and among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Depression is both a risk factor for and complication of stroke, and the two conditions may have a complex reciprocal relationship over time. However, the secondary effects of depression on stroke are often overlooked, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. In the previous concept of 'poststroke depression', stroke and depression were considered as two independent diseases. It often delays the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The concept 'stroke depression' proposed in this article will emphasise more the necessity of aggressive treatment of depression in the overall management of stroke, thus to reduce the incidence of stroke and in the meantime, improve the prognosis of stroke. Hopefully, it will lead us into a new era of acute stroke intervention.

Integrative-interpersonal dynamic therapy for poststroke depression (INID): study protocol of a randomised controlled pilot trial

INTRODUCTION

Depression is the most frequent psychiatric disorder following stroke, affecting about one-third of stroke survivors. Patients experience poorer recovery, lower quality of life and higher mortality compared with stroke survivors without depression. Despite these well-known malign consequences, poststroke depression (PSD) is regarded underdiagnosed and undertreated. Evidence of beneficial effects of psychotherapy to treat PSD remains scarce and inconclusive and is limited by heterogeneity in design, content and timing of the intervention. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of a newly developed integrative-interpersonal dynamic PSD intervention in an outpatient setting and provide a first estimation of the potential effect size as basis for the sample size estimation for a subsequent definite trial.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

Patients will be recruited from two German stroke units. After discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, depressed stroke survivors will be randomised to short-term psychotherapy (12 weeks, ≤16 sessions) or enhanced treatment as usual. The manualised psychotherapy integrates key features of the Unified Psychodynamic and Cognitive-Behavioural Unified Protocol for emotional disorders and was adapted for PSD. Primary endpoints are recruitment feasibility and treatment acceptability, defined as a recruitment rate of ≥20% for eligible patients consenting to randomisation and ≥70% completion-rate of patients participating in the treatment condition. A preliminary estimation of the treatment effect based on the mean difference in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores between intervention and control group six months poststroke is calculated. Secondary endpoints include changes in depression (PHQ-9/Hamilton Depression Scale) and anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7) of all participants across all follow-ups during the first year poststroke.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The INID pilot study received full ethical approval (S-321/2019; 2022-2286_1). Trial results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal in the first half of 2025. One-year follow-ups are planned to be carried out until summer 2025.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

DRKS00030378.

Evaluation & Treatment of Psychological Effects of Stroke

Strokes are a common medical condition in the United States, including in Delaware. An under-recognized effect of stroke is the impact on mood that often occurs. Many individuals develop depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological sequelae. These disorders can significantly affect their lives and their relationships. The emotional effects of stroke pose a public health problem for our residents, leading to devastating decreases in the quality of life for the patient and the family. These challenges negatively impact the community due to the associated healthcare and economic burdens. The population of the State of Delaware is growing, and the proportion of senior residents, who are also at greater risk for strokes, is also increasing. Strokes will remain an ongoing important clinical concern for our healthcare providers. Emotional changes after a stroke will occur in many Delaware residents who suffer a stroke. The emotional sequelae of stroke are under-treated. It is critical for healthcare professionals to be trained to recognize, assess, and treat the psychological disorders that can result from having a stroke. This article provides an overview of the major psychological effects of stroke, recommended assessment tools, promising treatment trends, and directions for further research. Improving our ability to detect and treat these difficult emotional challenges can facilitate effective treatment and prevention strategies and increase quality of life for stroke survivors, their loved ones, and their communities.

Utilities Estimated from PROMIS Scales for Cost-Effectiveness Analyses in Stroke

BACKGROUND

The EQ-5D and Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI-3) are preference-based measures used in cost-effectiveness studies. The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Preference scoring system (PROPr) is a new preference-based measure. In addition, algorithms were previously developed to map PROMIS Global Health (PROMIS-GH) items to HUI-3 using linear equating (HUILE) and 3-level EQ-5D using linear (EQ5DLE). We sought to evaluate and compare estimated utilities based on PROPr and PROMIS-GH in adult stroke survivors.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with 1 of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage seen in an outpatient clinic between 2015 and 2019. Patients completed PROMIS scales and other measures. We computed a modified version of PROPr (mPROPr) and compared the distributional characteristics and correlations with stroke outcomes for mPROPr, HUILE, and EQ5DLE.

RESULTS

T toal of 4,159 stroke survivors (average age 62.7 ± 14.7 y, 48.4% female, 77.6% ischemic stroke) were included. Mean utility estimates for mPROPr, EQ5DLE, and HUILE were 0.333 ± 0.244, 0.739 ± 0.201, and 0.544 ± 0.301, respectively. Correlations between the modified Rankin Scale and each of mPROPr and HUILE were both -0.48 and -0.43 for EQ5DLE. Regression analyses indicated that mPROPr scores may be too low for stroke patients in good health and that EQ5DLE scores may be too high for stroke patients in poor health.

CONCLUSIONS

All 3 PROMIS-based utilities were associated with measures of stroke disability and severity, but the distributions of utilities were very different. Our study highlights the problem cost-effectiveness researchers face of valuing health states with certainty. For researchers using utilities estimated from PROMIS scales, our study indicates that mapping PROMIS-GH item scores to HUI-3 via linear equating may be most appropriate in stroke patients.

HIGHLIGHTS

A new preference-based measure has been developed from the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), known as the PROMIS-Preference (PROPr) scoring system, and published equations mapping PROMIS Global Health (PROMIS-GH) items to the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI-3) and EQ-5D-3L are available for use in cost-effectiveness studies.Our study provides distributional characteristics and comparisons of utilities estimated using a modified version of PROPr and equations mapping PROMIS-GH items to EQ-5D-3L and HUI-3 in a sample of stroke survivors.The results of our study show large differences in the distributions of utilities estimated using the different health state measures, and these differences highlight the ongoing difficulty researchers face in valuing health states with certainty.

Metabolic Alterations and Related Biological Functions of Post-Stroke Depression in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric complications after stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms of PSD remain ambiguous, and no objective diagnosis tool is available to diagnose PSD. Previous metabolomic studies on PSD included patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke indiscriminately, which is not conducive to elucidating and predicting the occurrence of PSD. The aim of this study is to elucidate the pathogenesis of PSD and provide potential diagnostic markers for PSD in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

In total, 51 ischemic stroke patients at 2 weeks were included in this study. Those with depressive symptoms were assigned to the PSD group, while the others were assigned to the non-PSD group. Plasma metabolomics based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was performed to explore the differential plasma metabolites between the PSD and non-PSD groups.

Results

Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) showed significant metabolic alterations between PSD patients and non-PSD patients. In total, 41 differential metabolites were screened out, mainly including phosphatidylcholines (PCs), L-carnitine and acyl carnitines, succinic acid, pyruvic acid and L-lactic acid. Metabolite-related pathway analysis revealed that alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle) may contribute to the pathogenesis of PSD. A panel of three signature metabolites [PC(22:5(7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)/15:0), LysoPA(18:1(9Z)/0:0) and 1,5-anhydrosorbitol] was determined as potential biomarkers for PSD in ischemic stroke patients.

Conclusion

These findings are conducive to providing new insights into the pathogenesis of PSD and developing objective diagnostic tools for PSD in ischemic stroke patients.

An updated review on prediction and preventive treatment of post-stroke depression

INTRODUCTION

Post-stroke depression (PSD), one of the most common complications following stroke, affects approximately one-third of stroke patients and is significantly associated with increased disability and mortality as well as decreased quality of life, which makes it an important public health concern. Treatment of PSD significantly ameliorates depressive symptoms and improves the prognosis of stroke.

AREAS COVERED

The authors discuss the critical aspects of the clinical application of prediction and preventive treatment of PSD. Then, the authors update the biological factors associated with the onset of PSD. Furthermore, they summarize the recent progress in pharmacological preventive treatment in clinical trials and propose potential treatment targets. The authors also discuss the current roadblocks in the preventive treatment of PSD. Finally, the authors put postulate potential directions for future studies so as to discover accurate predictors and provide individualized preventive treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

Sorting out high-risk PSD patients using reliable predictors will greatly assist PSD management. Indeed, some predictors not only predict the incidence of PSD but also predict prognosis, which indicates that they might also aid the development of an individualized treatment scheme. Preventive application of antidepressants may also be considered.

Associations of lesion location, structural disconnection, and functional diaschisis with depressive symptoms post stroke

Introduction

Post-stroke depressive symptoms (PSDS) are common and relevant for patient outcome, but their complex pathophysiology is ill understood. It likely involves social, psychological and biological factors. Lesion location is a readily available information in stroke patients, but it is unclear if the neurobiological substrates of PSDS are spatially localized. Building on previous analyses, we sought to determine if PSDS are associated with specific lesion locations, structural disconnection and/or localized functional diaschisis.

Methods

In a prospective observational study, we examined 270 patients with first-ever stroke with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) around 6 months post-stroke. Based on individual lesion locations and the depression subscale of the HADS we performed support vector regression lesion-symptom mapping, structural-disconnection-symptom mapping and functional lesion network-symptom-mapping, in a reanalysis of this previously published cohort to infer structure-function relationships.

Results

We found that depressive symptoms were associated with (i) lesions in the right insula, right putamen, inferior frontal gyrus and right amygdala and (ii) structural disconnection in the right temporal lobe. In contrast, we found no association with localized functional diaschisis. In addition, we were unable to confirm a previously described association between depressive symptom load and a network damage score derived from functional disconnection maps.

Discussion

Based on our results, and other recent lesion studies, we see growing evidence for a prominent role of right frontostriatal brain circuits in PSDS.

Physio-psycho-social interaction mechanism in dyadic health of young and middle-aged stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers: a longitudinal observational study protocol

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, stroke has become more common among young people. Stroke not only has a profound impact on patients' health but also incurs stress and health threats to their caregivers, especially spousal caregivers. Moreover, the health of stroke survivors and their caregivers is interdependent. To our knowledge, no study has explored dyadic health of young and middle-aged stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers from physiological, psychological and social perspectives. Therefore, this proposed study aims to explore the mechanism of how physiological, psychological and social factors affect dyadic health of young and middle-aged stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers. The findings of this study will provide implications for developing interventions to improve dyadic health of this growing population.

METHODS AND ANALYSES

We will collect data from 57 dyads of young and middle-aged stroke survivors and their spousal caregivers during hospitalisation and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after discharge. Questionnaires will be used to collect participants' demographic information, stress, depression, anxiety, benefit finding, social support, mutuality and quality of life. The following physiological reactions will be collected at baseline, including interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and salivary cortisol.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the ethics review committee of life sciences of Zhengzhou University (No. ZZUIRB2020-53). Prior to being enrolled in the study, participants will be given full and detailed information about the possible risks involved, the informed consent process, confidentiality, the study procedure and secure data storage. Participants will be guaranteed that they can withdraw from the study at any time without providing a reason or leading to any consequences. Both oral and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The findings of this proposed study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.

Return to work and depressive symptoms in young stroke survivors after six and twelve months: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

BACKGROUND

While depression after stroke is common and stroke prevalence globally increases in working age populations, the role of return-to-work (RTW) in the pathogenesis of post-stroke depression (PSD) remains unclear. This study examined if RTW is linked to PSD within the first year after ischemic stroke, independently from established risk factors.

METHOD

Stroke survivors (n = 176) in their working age (<65 years) recruited from two rehabilitation clinics were assessed for established risk factors: pre-stroke depression, activities of daily living, stroke severity, cognitive impairment, and social support. RTW and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale: GDS-15) were assessed six- and twelve-months post-stroke. Multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between RTW and GDS-15, while controlling for established PSD risk factors.

RESULTS

Successful RTW was independently associated with lower GDS-15 at both measurement occasions (p < .05), next to the absence of pre-stroke depression and higher social support. Stroke severity predicted GDS-15 at twelve months. The predictive value of six-months RTW for subsequent depressive symptoms beyond the influence of established risk factors was ß = -1.73 (p = .09).

DISCUSSION

RTW was independently associated with PSD in young stroke survivors within the first-year post-stroke, and exerted a (marginally significant) effect on subsequent depression. Our study highlights the relevance of RTW for young stroke survivors' PSD, beyond the influence of established risk factors. Further assessments examining to what extent fostering RTW contributes to mental well-being after stroke might be promising for PSD prevention, next to evident beneficial economic effects.

Quality of life and mood disorders of mild to moderate stroke survivors in the early post-hospital discharge phase: a cross-sectional survey study

BACKGROUND

Exploring sociodemographic and disease characteristics that contribute to patient-reported outcomes can inform targeting of strategies to support recovery and adaptation to stroke. This study aimed to examine among a sample of stroke survivors at three months post-hospital discharge: (1) self-reported physical and mental health quality of life scores; (2) self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms; and (3) sociodemographic and clinical predictors of these outcomes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey study recruited stroke survivors from eight hospitals in one Australian state. Adult survivors recently discharged from hospital stroke wards (within 3 months) were mailed a study information package and invited to complete a pen-and paper survey. Survey items assessed: quality of life (SF12v2), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Predictors were examined using multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 1161 eligible patients who were posted a recruitment pack, 401 (35%) returned a completed survey. Participants reported a mean SF-12v2 Physical Composite Score (PCS) quality of life score of 44.09 (SD = 9.57); and a mean SF-12v2 Mental Composite Score (MCS) quality of life score of 46.84 (SD = 10.0). Approximately one third of participants (34%; n = 132) were classified as depressed (PHQ-9 ≥ 10); and 27% (n = 104) were classified as anxious (GAD-7 ≥ 8). Lower PCS was associated with being female, not employed and having a comorbid diagnosis of diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Lower MCS was associated with a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA). Males and those with higher levels of education, had greater odds of having lower depression severity; those with a history of TIA or diabetes had lower odds of having lower depression severity. Males had greater odds of having lower anxiety severity; those with a history of TIA had lower odds of having lower anxiety severity.

CONCLUSION

Sub-groups of stroke survivors may be at-risk of poorer quality of life and psychological morbidity in the early post-discharge phase. These findings support the role of early identification and prioritisation of at-risk survivors at discharge, as they may require modifications to standard hospital discharge processes tailored to their level of risk.

Predictors of post-stroke depression: Validation of established risk factors and introduction of a dynamic perspective in two longitudinal studies

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral insults lead in many cases not only to cognitive impairment but also to disturbed emotionality. After stroke, one in three survivors develops a depression which impacts quality of life and rehabilitation. Meta-analyses have identified five main predictors of post-stroke depression (PSD): history of mental disorder, stroke severity, physical disability, cognitive impairment, and social support. However, these five established variables have never been conjointly investigated in a sample of stroke survivors. Therefore, their independent predictive values remain unclear. Moreover, predictors are most often used as time-invariant factors (status scores), neglecting the intraindividual dynamics after stroke.

METHODS

Our study analyses the data of two prospective longitudinal studies, investigating stroke survivors from two rehabilitation hospitals (N ₁ = 273) and one acute care hospital (N ₂ = 226). Baseline assessments included the five established predictors and depressive symptoms. After 6 months, depressive symptoms were reassessed in both studies (n ₁ = 176, n ₂ = 183), and physical disability and social support were reassessed in study 2. The predictivity of the five predictors and the additional predictivity of intraindividual dynamics for PSD were examined in multiple linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

History of mental disorder was a risk factor for depressive symptoms after stroke at all measurement times (B = 3.32 to 3.97; p < 0.01). Physical disability was a risk factor at all measurement times (B = -0.09 to -0.03; p < 0.05) except 6 months after rehabilitation. Social support was a protective factor (B = -2.69 to -1.91; p < 0.01) outside the acute phase (R ² = 0.15-0.39). Intraindividual changes in physical disability and perceived social support were independent predictors of PSD 6 months after the acute phase (B = -0.08/-0.14; p < 0.01), in addition to status scores on established variables (ΔR ² = 0.08, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

History of mental disorder, physical disability, and social support are independent predictors of depressive symptoms in the first year post-stroke, also when considered conjointly. Future studies should control for these variables when investigating new predictors of PSD. In addition, intraindividual changes in known predictors after stroke play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of PSD and should be considered in clinical practice and future research.

Longitudinal Trajectories of Post-Stroke Depression Symptom Subgroups

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke depressive symptoms are prevalent and impairing, and elucidating their course and risk factors is critical for reducing their public health burden. Previous studies have examined the course of post-stroke depression, but distinct depressive symptom dimensions (eg, somatic symptoms, negative affect [eg, sadness], anhedonia [eg, loss of interest]) may vary differently over time.

OBJECTIVE

The present study examined within-person and between-person associations between depressive symptom dimensions across 3 timepoints in the year following discharge from in-patient rehabilitation hospitals, as well as the impact of multiple clinical variables (eg, aphasia).

METHODS

Stroke survivors completed the Center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale (CES-D) at discharge from post-stroke rehabilitation ("T1") and at 3-month ("T2") and 12-month ("T3") follow-ups. Scores on previously identified CES-D subscales (somatic symptoms, anhedonia, and negative affect) were calculated at each timepoint. Random intercept cross-lagged panel model analysis examined associations between symptom dimensions while disaggregating within-person and between-person effects.

RESULTS

There were reciprocal, within-person associations between somatic symptoms and anhedonia from T1 to T2 and from T2 to T3. Neither dimension was predictive of, or predicted by negative affect.

CONCLUSIONS

The reciprocal associations between somatic symptoms and anhedonia may reflect a "vicious cycle," and suggest these 2 symptom dimensions may be useful indicators of risk and/or intervention targets. Regularly assessing depression symptoms starting during inpatient rehabilitation may help identify stroke survivors at risk for depression symptoms and facilitate early intervention.

Palliative care approaches to acute stroke in the hospital setting

Stroke is a prevalent neurologic condition that portends a high risk of morbidity and mortality such that patients impacted by stroke and their caregivers can benefit from palliative care at the time of diagnosis and throughout the disease trajectory. Clinicians who care for stroke patients should be adept at establishing rapport with patients and caregivers, delivering serious news, responding to emotions, discussing prognosis, and establishing goals of care efficiently in an acute stroke setting. Aggressive stroke care can be integrated with a palliative approach to care that involves aligning the available treatment options with a patient's values and goals of care. Reassessing the goals throughout the hospitalization provides an opportunity for continued shared decision-making about the intensity of poststroke interventions. The palliative needs for stroke patients may increase over time depending on the severity of disease, poststroke complications, stroke-related symptoms, and treatment intensity preferences. If the decision is made to transition the focus of care to comfort, the support of an interdisciplinary palliative care or hospice team can be beneficial to the patient, family members, and surrogate decision makers.

Pathophysiology and Current Drug Treatments for Post-Stroke Depression: A Review

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a biopsychosocial disorder that affects individuals who have suffered a stroke at any point. PSD has a 20 to 60 percent reported prevalence among stroke survivors. Its effects are usually adverse, can lead to disability, and may increase mortality if not managed or treated early. PSD is linked to several other medical conditions, including anxiety, hyper-locomotor activity, and poor functional recovery. Despite significant awareness of its adverse impacts, understanding the pathogenesis of PSD has proved challenging. The exact pathophysiology of PSD is unknown, yet its complexity has been definitively shown, involving mechanisms such as dysfunction of monoamine, the glutamatergic systems, the gut-brain axis, and neuroinflammation. The current effectiveness of PSD treatment is about 30-40 percent of all cases. In this review, we examined different pathophysiological mechanisms and current pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for the treatment of PSD.

The longitudinal course of anxiety, depression and apathy through two years after stroke

OBJECTIVE

Estimate the prevalence of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and apathy two years after stroke, examine their longitudinal course, describe the course of psychological distress through two years after stroke, and evaluate Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HADS-A and HADS-D cut-off scores of ≥4 and ≥ 8 for detection of anxiety and depressive disorders two years after stroke.

METHODS

In a longitudinal cohort study of 150 consecutive stroke patients in a stroke unit, 103 were assessed four months and 75 two years after stroke. Anxiety and depression disorders and symptoms were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and HADS, apathy by the Apathy Evaluation Scale.

RESULTS

Prevalence of at least one anxiety disorder or one depressive disorder decreased from four months to two years (23% vs 9%, P = 0.026, 19% vs 10%, P = 0.17). Apathy remained stable at 48% vs 50%. After two years, 80%, 79% and 19% of those with anxiety, depression or apathy at four months had recovered. Recovery-rates among patients with anxiety were 83% for panic disorder, 60% for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and 50% for social phobia.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to apathy, recovery from anxiety and depression was high. About half of the patients with GAD, social phobia or agoraphobia did not recover. Co-morbid depression and apathy at four months implied a high risk for not recovering at two years. HADS-A and HADS-D cut-off scores of ≥8 were feasible for detection of anxiety and depression disorders two years after stroke.

Early depression screening and short-term functional outcome in hospitalized patients for acute ischemic stroke

Background

Patients with ischemic stroke are at high risk for post-stroke depression (PSD). There are limited data regarding the clinical impact of early PSD, assessed in hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

This hospital-based observational cohort study included consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack between July 2019 and June 2021. In the study hospital, all admitted patients were systematically screened for depression. The depression was screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and PHQ-9 positivity indicated early PSD, which was defined as a score of &gt;4. Logistic regression analyses were used to compare the rates of poor functional outcomes at 3 months in patients with and without PHQ-9 positivity.

Results

Among 1339 patients admitted during the study period, 775 were included, with a median age of 68.0 years, and 316 (40.8%) were women. A total of 111 (14.3%) patients were PHQ-9 positive. History of cancer and early neurological deterioration were independently associated with PHQ-9 positivity. Poor functional outcomes at 3 months were observed in 147 patients (18.8%). PHQ-9 positivity independently showed a 2.2-fold increased risk of poor functional outcome at 3 months (Odds ratio 2.23; 95% confidence interval 1.05–4.73, P = 0.037).

Conclusions

Patients with history of cancer and early neurological deterioration were at risk for early PSD. Early PSD was independently associated with poor functional outcomes at 3 months. The identification of early depression could offer opportunities for further questioning and exploration of symptoms, as well as interventions.

Associations between pre-stroke physical activity and physical quality of life three months after stroke in patients with mild disability

Background

Much is known about the association between physical activity and the occurrence of stroke. However, the evidence about the correlation between pre-stroke physical activity and post-stroke quality of life remains inconsistent. Thus, there is a high public health relevance to the topic.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between pre-stroke physical activity and physical quality of life after three months.

Methods

Data arises from 858 patients with stroke included a prospective single-centre observational cohort study in Augsburg, Germany, between September 2018 and November 2019. The participants were recruited at the Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital of Augsburg after their stroke event. The level of physical activity was determined following the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline. Physical quality of life was assessed three months after hospital discharge using the German version of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). A multiple linear regression model and a quantile regression were carried out.

Results

A total of 497 patients were included in the analysis (mean age 69.6, 58.8% male), 26.2% had a high, 18.9% a moderate and 54.9% a low level of pre-stroke physical activity. Patients with high pre-stroke physical activity had a significantly better physical quality of life three months after stroke in the SIS physical domain (beta = 4.1) and in the SIS subdomains hand function (beta = 5.6), mobility (beta = 4.1) and activities of daily living (beta = 3.7). In the physical domain and the subdomain mobility, the effect was especially strong for persons with low physical quality of life after three months.

Conclusion

Pre-stroke physical activity seems to have an important and positive association with physical quality of life after three months in patients with mild disability. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Neural Substrates of Poststroke Depression: Current Opinions and Methodology Trends

Poststroke depression (PSD), affecting about one-third of stroke survivors, exerts significant impact on patients’ functional outcome and mortality. Great efforts have been made since the 1970s to unravel the neuroanatomical substrate and the brain-behavior mechanism of PSD. Thanks to advances in neuroimaging and computational neuroscience in the past two decades, new techniques for uncovering the neural basis of symptoms or behavioral deficits caused by focal brain damage have been emerging. From the time of lesion analysis to the era of brain networks, our knowledge and understanding of the neural substrates for PSD are increasing. Pooled evidence from traditional lesion analysis, univariate or multivariate lesion-symptom mapping, regional structural and functional analyses, direct or indirect connectome analysis, and neuromodulation clinical trials for PSD, to some extent, echoes the frontal-limbic theory of depression. The neural substrates of PSD may be used for risk stratification and personalized therapeutic target identification in the future. In this review, we provide an update on the recent advances about the neural basis of PSD with the clinical implications and trends of methodology as the main features of interest.

Factors Associated With Early and Late Post-stroke Fatigue in Patients With Mild Impairment. Results From the Stroke Cohort Study Augsburg

Background

Post-stroke fatigue is a common symptom after stroke. However, studies on the factors associated with early and late fatigue are scarce. The objective of this study was to identify variables associated with early and late fatigue.

Methods

In the German Stroke Cohort Augsburg (SCHANA) study, participants were interviewed during their hospital stay and completed a postal questionnaire 3 and 12 months post-stroke. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Assessement Scale (FAS). In addition, depression was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), general health status by the EQ-5D visual analog scale, and physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Multivariable regression models were used to determine the associations between FAS scores at 3 and 12 months post-stroke and demographic, psychosocial and health-related covariables.

Results

Among 505 participants, the frequency of fatigue was 31.1% 3 months and 29.1% 12 months post-stroke. Prior stroke (ß = 2.37, p = 0.0076), prior diagnosis of depression (ß = 5.04, p = 0.0001), higher NIHSS (ß = 0.25, p = 0.0360) and higher PHQ-9 scores (ß = 0.55, p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with higher fatigue levels 3 months post-stroke. Additionally, younger age (ß = -0.07, p = 0.0219), a worse rating of general health at baseline (ß = -0.04, p = 0.0287) and low pre-stroke physical activity (ß = -0.0004, p = 0.0089) were significantly associated with higher fatigue levels 12 months after stroke.

Conclusions

Fatigue is a common and persisting symptom even in patients with mild impairment. Prior depressive disorder and early depressive symptoms were the most relevant predictors of both early and late fatigue.

Key determinants of long-term post-stroke mortality in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Stroke affects a predominantly young to middle-aged population in Africa and is associated with poor outcomes. There are limited data on patient-level determinants of long-term stroke survival on the continent.

PURPOSE

To assess factors associated with long-term, all-cause mortality among stroke survivors in a Ghanaian medical system.

METHODS

We analyzed the dataset of clinical trial involving hypertensive stroke survivors (n = 60) who enrolled in a 9-month study primarily assessing the effect of an m-health intervention on blood pressure control. This was a single tertiary center study conducted in a Ghanaian medical center. Participants or relatives were contacted by a phone call to assess vital status 4.5 years after stroke onset. Demographic, psycho-social and vascular risk factors data were collected during the study. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to assess the factors associated with death.

RESULTS

Among the study participants, long term information was obtainable on 58 of 60 (97%). After a median follow-up of 52 months [IQR: 48 to 53 months], 16 participants had died, resulting in a mortality rate of 27.6% (95% CI of 16.6% - 40.9%). Upon adjustment for confounders, the two factors independently associated with long-term mortality were resistant hypertension (Hazard Ratio 3.99; 95% CI: 1.29-12.37] and depression (Hazard Ratio 1.18; 95% CI: 1.05-1.31; per unit rise on the Hamilton Depression Scale).

CONCLUSION

In this convenience sample of recent stroke patients in Ghana, over a quarter had died within 5 years of index stroke onset. Resistant hypertension and depression may be modifiable therapeutic targets to improve outcomes in these patients.

[Long-term consequences of stroke]

The treatment of stroke has significantly improved over the past two decades, resulting in reduced mortality and morbidity in high-income countries. However, strokes remain the third leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. In addition to acute care and the prevention of risk factors, treatment of the various persisting disabilities that impact the daily activities and quality of life of patients also remain important. Motor and language deficits affect everyday life most obviously. Other deficits may involve complex movements, sensory, and cognitive functions. Patients also often suffer from anxiety, fatigue, and depression.Established ergotherapeutic, physiotherapeutic, and logopedic programs exist for motor and language deficits for in-patient treatment as well as in the ambulatory setting. The diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairments and behavioral disorders, however, are largely confined to the early rehabilitation phase. Despite indications of a long-term impairment of quality of life due to cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders, previous study results speak against drug-based antidepressant therapy in in-patient rehabilitation. Individual patient-reported outcomes, supported by screening for cognitive deficits and consideration of individual risk factors and coping strategies, could further improve the treatment of stroke and its long-term burden.

Longitudinal assessment of depression during the first year after stroke: Dimensionality and measurement invariance

OBJECTIVE

Repeated measurement of depression using summative scores of commonly used depression scales assumes that the construct is unidimensional and invariant across time, but little is known about the validity of these assumptions in stroke patients. The study examined the assumptions during the first year after mild to moderate stroke using the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8).

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 2014-2016 Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi project, a population-based stroke surveillance study with longitudinal follow-up in Texas, United States. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the PHQ-8 at 3, 6, and 12 months post-stroke (n = 648, 542, 533, respectively). Dimensionality of the PHQ-8 was examined using exploratory bifactor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Based on a one-factor CFA model, longitudinal measurement invariance was examined by fitting configural, weak, strong and strict invariance models sequentially.

RESULTS

Mean age was 65.6 (SD = 11.2), half were women, and 56.7% were Mexican American. Reliability measures suggested a generally unidimensional construct (Omega Hierarchical: 0.79-0.86), good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.84-0.88) and good temporal stability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.838). Configural invariance for equality of item-factor structure (RMSEA = 0.038, CFI = 0.982, WRMR = 0.970) was supported. Partial weak invariance for equality of factor loadings (p = 0.11) was supported by chi-square difference tests, whereas full longitudinal invariance was supported by changes in comparative fit index and root mean square error of approximation.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest the PHQ-8 may be a reasonable tool for repeated measurement of depression in stroke patients, and more research on its longitudinal psychometric properties is needed.

Prevalence, Severity, and Predictors of Poststroke Depression in a Prospective Cohort of Jordanian Patients

Poststroke depression (PSD) is common and remains a significant risk factor for poor outcomes. This prospective study is aimed at assessing the prevalence, severity, and predictors of PSD among Jordanian stroke survivors. A total of 151 patients who were consequently admitted to a tertiary teaching hospital with ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes were enrolled. Participants were screened on admission for premorbid depression using the PHQ-9 questionnaire; then, screening for PSD was repeated one and three months after stroke using the same tool. Depression prevalence at each screening was reported, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate for significant predictors. PHQ-9 scores suggestive of depression were reported by 15%, 24.83%, and 17.39% of respondents on admission and after one and three months, respectively. Scores suggesting severe depression were reported by 0.71%, 2.13%, and 6.52% of respondents, respectively. Significant predictors of PSD were having chronic kidney disease, current smoking status, moderate or severe disability (mRS score) at stroke onset, and severe dependence (BI) after one month (p values 0.007, 0,002, 0.014, and 0.031, respectively). Patients with secondary and high school education levels were less likely to get depression compared with illiterate patients (p 0.042). This study showed that nearly one in four Jordanian stroke survivors experienced PSD after one month. In contrast, while the overall PSD prevalence declined towards the end of follow-up period, patients who remained depressed showed a tendency towards higher PSD severity.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Poststroke Depression among Outpatient Stroke Patients Who Have a Follow-Up at the Outpatient Neurology Clinic of Zewditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Poststroke depression is the most common and burdensome poststroke psychiatric complication. Studies showed discrepancies in reporting frequencies and risk factors for poststroke depression. Updated local data are relevant for efficient strategies of poststroke depression screening and prevention.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and associated factors of poststroke depression among outpatient stroke patients from the outpatient neurology clinic of Zewditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 stroke patients. Data was collected through structured questionnaire using interviews and a review of medical charts. PHQ-9 depression questionnaire was used to diagnose poststroke depression. Descriptive analysis was used to see the nature of the characteristics of interests. Bivariate analysis was used to sort out variables at p values less than 0.05 for multivariate logistic regression. Significance level was obtained using an odds ratio with 95% CI and p value < 0.05.

RESULTS

Point prevalence for poststroke depression was 27.5 percent. Female gender, unemployment, low social support level, diabetes mellitus, and poststroke period under 2 years were statistically significant and independent predictors for poststroke depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The point prevalence estimate of poststroke depression was comparable with other studies. Low social support levels increased the odds for poststroke depression by more than eight folds. It appeared that external factors are more important in the pathogenesis of poststroke depression in the African population. Detection and prevention programs should consider disparities of poststroke depression incidence and risk factors.

The Relationship Between 5-Hydroxytryptamine and Its Metabolite Changes With Post-stroke Depression

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common and serious sequelae of stroke. Approximately 33% of stroke survivors were affected by PSD. However, many issues (e.g., incidence, diagnostic marker, and risk factor) related to PSD remained unclear. The "monoamine hypothesis" is a significant hypothesis for depression, which suggests that three monoamines play a key role in depression. Therefore, most current antidepressants are developed to modulate the monoamines on PSD treatment, and these antidepressants have good effects on patients with PSD. However, the potential mechanisms of three monoamines in PSD are still unclear. Previously, we proposed "three primary emotions," which suggested a new model of basic emotions based on the three monoamines. It may provide a new way for PSD treatment. In addition, recent studies have found that monoamine-related emotional intervention also showed potential effects in the treatment and prevention of PSD. This study discusses these issues and attempts to provide a prospect for future research on PSD.

Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide After Stroke: A Narrative Review of the Best Available Evidence

Depression and anxiety each affect around 1 in 3 people during the first year after a stroke. Suicide causes the death of about 3 to 4/1000 stroke survivors during the first 5 years. This narrative review describes the best available evidence for the epidemiology of depression, anxiety, and suicide; their prevention; and the treatment of anxiety and depression. We conclude with directions for future research.

The Reliability and Validity of Post Stroke Depression Scale in Different Type of Post Stroke Depression Patients

OBJECTIVE

A self-rating post stroke depression scale (PSDS) showed a good reliability and validity to assess severity of depressive symptoms among stroke patients. This study aimed to retest the psychometric properties of PSDS in different types of post-stroke depression (PSD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 170 stroke patients were recruited in the study. 82 and 25 patients were respectively diagnosed as PSD symptoms disorder (PSDSD) and PSD disorder (PSDD) patients according to their respective diagnostic criteria. The PSDS and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess the severity of depression. Cronbach α, Spearman rank coefficient and independent sample t-test were conducted to examine reliability, internal consistency and discriminate validity. Then the receiver operating characteristic curve and Youden index were used to performance evaluation and cut-off value respectively in different subtypes of PSD patients.

RESULTS

The Cronbach α of PSDS was 0.857, indicting a good reliability. The Spearman correlation coefficient between PSDS and PHQ-9 was 0.942 (P<0.001). The discriminate validity displayed significant difference between PSDSD as well as PSDD and no depression patients (all P<0.001). 5/24 and 10/24 were the cut-off value for PSDSD and PSDD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PSDS is a useful screen tool with an acceptable psychometric properties for estimation of different subtypes of PSD patients.

The Efficacy of Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Preventing Post-Stroke Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common psychiatric complication of stroke and is associated with the subsequent prognosis, yet still lacking of enough attention. PSD is preventable, and psychotherapy is an alternative prophylactic treatment which needs more solid evidences to confirm its efficacy. In this study, group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (G-ACT) was performed in acute stroke patients to see if it can effectively relieve depressive symptoms and improve neurological function. The efficacy was also evaluated in stroke patients of different severity.

METHODS

One hundred and four hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. After baseline evaluation, they were randomly allocated to the intervention (G-ACT) group and the control (usual care) group. Patients in the control group received routine stroke treatment, while those in the intervention group were given additional G-ACT treatment (5 sessions, 45-55 min/session). Both of the two groups were assessed with 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Barthel Index (BI) at baseline, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months follow-up. Patients were further divided into the mild stroke group (NIHSS 0-3) and the moderate stroke group (NIHSS 4-9), HAMD scores at different time points were also assessed.

RESULTS

The HAMD score of G-ACT group was significantly lower than that of control group at 1 month (p = 0.018) and 3 months follow-up (p = 0.001). As to the NIHSS score, there was no significant difference between the two groups within the follow-up period (p > 0.05). The BI score of the two groups was statistically different at 2 weeks (p = 0.033) and 1 month (p = 0.019), while no difference was shown at 3 months (p = 0.191). In acute phase, the HAMD score of moderate stroke patients was significantly higher than that of mild ones (p < 0.001). After G-ACT treatment, both mild and moderate stroke patients showed lower HAMD score at 3 months follow-up (p = 0.004; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

G-ACT seems to be a viable and effective treatment for preventing PSD in the acute phase of stroke, while the efficacy of which on improving neurological deficits needs to be further evaluated.

Changes in PHQ-9 depression scores in acute stroke patients shortly after returning home

Introduction

Post-stroke depression is a disabling condition that occurs in approximately one-third of stroke survivors. There is limited information on changes in depressive symptoms shortly after stroke survivors return home. To identify factors associated with changes in post-stroke depressive symptoms during the early recovery period, we conducted a secondary analysis of patients enrolled in a clinical trial conducted during the transition period shortly after patients returned home (MISTT).

Methods

The Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial (MISTT) tested the efficacy of social worker case management and access to online information to improve patient-reported outcomes following an acute stroke. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores were collected via telephone interviews conducted at 7 and 90 days post-discharge; higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify independent predictors of baseline PHQ-9 score at 7 days and of changes over time to 90 days.

Results

Of 265 patients, 193 and 185 completed the PHQ-9 survey at 7 and 90 days, respectively. The mean PHQ-9 score was 5.9 at 7 days and 5.1 at 90 days. Older age, being unmarried, and having moderate stroke severity (versus mild) were significantly associated with lower 7-day PHQ-9 scores (indicating fewer depressive symptoms). However, at 90 days, both unmarried patients and those with moderate or high stroke severity had significant increases in depressive symptoms over time.

Conclusions

In stroke patients who recently returned home, both marital status and stroke severity were associated with depressive symptom scores; however, the relationships were complex. Being unmarried and having higher stroke severity was associated with fewer depressive symptoms at baseline, but both factors were associated with worsening depressive symptoms over time. Identifying risk factors for changes in depressive symptoms may help guide effective management strategies during the early recovery period.

Analysis of Correlation Between White Matter Changes and Functional Responses in Post-stroke Depression

Objective: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms with high prevalence, however, the mechanism of the brain network in PSD and the relationship between the structural and functional network remain unclear. This research applies graph theory to structural networks and explores the relationship between structural and functional networks.

Methods: Forty-five patients with acute ischemic stroke were divided into the PSD group and post-stroke without depression (non-PSD) group respectively and underwent the magnetic resonance imaging scans. Network construction and Module analysis were used to explore the structural connectivity-functional connectivity (SC-FC) coupling of multi-scale brain networks in patients with PSD.

Results: Compared with non-PSD, the structural network in PSD was related to the reduction of clustering and the increase of path length, but the degree of modularity was lower.

Conclusions: The SC-FC coupling may serve as a biomarker for PSD. The similarity in SC and FC is associated with cognitive dysfunction, retardation, and desperation. Our findings highlighted the distinction in brain structural-functional networks in PSD.

Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03256305, NCT03256305.

The Post-Stroke Depression Risk Scale (PoStDeRiS): Development of an Acute-Phase Prediction Model for Depression 6 Months After Stroke

BACKGROUND

Depression after stroke is common but often undertreated as increasing depression prevalence and decreasing health care contacts diverge after the event.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an acute-phase prediction scale for prognosis of depression 6 months after stroke.

METHODS

Participants (N = 226) were consecutively recruited and assessed within the first week after ischemic stroke for history of depression, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and functional independence (Barthel Index). Early depressive symptoms were self-reported via the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and external-rated by nurses via the Signs of Depression Scale. Six months later, 183 participants were assessed for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition diagnosis of depression. Significant predictors of depression were identified in multivariate logistic regression analysis and their coefficients transformed into a risk scale. Measurement precision was identified using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Depression was diagnosed in 32 (17.5%) participants 6 months after stroke. History of depression, the Barthel Index, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 were significant predictors of depression. Transformation of the coefficients yielded the Post-Stroke Depression Risk Scale that demonstrated good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.84; 95% confidence interval = 0.78/0.90). The optimum cutoff showed a sensitivity of 0.81, a specificity of 0.72, a positive predictive value of 0.38, and a negative predictive value of 0.95.

CONCLUSIONS

The Post-Stroke Depression Risk Scale accurately identifies people in the acute phase with low risk of depression 6 months later, which saves expendable psychiatric interviews in stroke patients. While the sensitivity indicates that recognition of people with later depression is adequate, positive results in the acute phase show low predictivity. Clinical and methodological reasons for these results as well as implications for future research to increase case-finding ability are discussed.

Early screening for post-stroke depression, and the effect on functional outcomes, quality of life and mortality: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a severe complication of cerebrovascular stroke affecting about one-third of stroke survivors. Moreover, PSD is associated with functional recovery and quality of life (QOL) in stroke survivors. Screening for PSD is recommended. There are, however, differences in the literature on the impact of early screening on functional outcomes. In this systematic review, we synthesise the currently available literature regarding the associations between timing and setting of PSD screening and mortality, QOL and functional outcomes in stroke survivors.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will systematically search electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL from inception to August 2021. Four reviewers will screen the title and abstract and full-text level records identified in the search in a blinded fashion to determine the study eligibility. Any selection disagreements between the reviewers will be resolved by the study investigator. Data extraction of eligible studies will be conducted by two reviewers using a predefined template. We will complete the quality assessment of included articles independently by two reviewers using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Eventual discrepancies will be resolved by the principal investigator.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Due to the nature of the study design, ethical approval is not required. The systematic review and meta-analysis findings will be published and disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal. Our results will also be disseminated through posters and presentations at appropriate scientific conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021235993.

Prevalence and Course of Depression During the First Year After Mild to Moderate Stroke

Background This study examined the prevalence and longitudinal course of depression during the first year after mild to moderate stroke. Methods and Results We identified patients with mild to moderate ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <16) and at least 1 depression assessment at 3, 6, or 12 months after stroke (n=648, 542, and 533, respectively) from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi project (2014-2016). Latent transition analysis was used to examine temporal profiles of depressive symptoms assessed by the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire between 3 and 12 months after stroke. Mean age was 65.6 years, 49.4% were women, and 56.7% were Mexican Americans. The prevalence of depression after stroke was 35.3% at 3 months, decreased to 24.9% at 6 months, and remained stable at 25.7% at 12 months. Approximately half of the participants classified as having depression at 3 or 6 months showed clinical improvement at the next assessment. Subgroups with distinct patterns of depressive symptoms were identified, including mild/no symptoms, predominant sleep disturbance and fatigue symptoms, affective symptoms, and severe/all symptoms. A majority of participants with mild/no symptoms retained this symptom pattern over time. The probability of transitioning to mild/no symptoms was higher before 6 months compared with the later period, and severe symptoms were more likely to persist after 6 months compared with the earlier period. Conclusions The observed dynamics of depressive symptoms suggest that depression after stroke tends to persist after 6 months among patients with mild to moderate stroke and should be continually monitored and appropriately managed.

The Usefulness of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for the Assessment of Post-Stroke Depression

Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common mood disorder following stroke and is also the main factor that limits the recovery and rehabilitation of patients with stroke. The prevalence of PSD is ~30%. Since there is no gold standard for the diagnosis and evaluation of PSD, it is important to raise awareness of PSD and to establish methods for its evaluation, early diagnosis, and treatment. In the field of psychiatry, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has been used as a diagnostic tool for the measurement of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb). This study aimed to assess whether fNIRS could be applied in the diagnosis and evaluation of PSD.

Methods: We recruited 45 patients with stroke, who were admitted to Nagasaki Kita Hospital between May 2015 and April 2019. The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD17), which is considered to be a useful screening and evaluation tool for PSD, was used for the assessment of patients after stroke; moreover, oxy-Hb was measured in the pre-frontal cortex. The subjects were divided into two groups: the depressed group (n = 13) and the non-depressed group (n = 32). We evaluated the correlation between the oxy-Hb integral values and HAMD17 scores.

Results: We investigated the relationship between the oxy-Hb integral values and HAMD17 total scores, and found a negative correlation between them (ρ = −0.331, P < 0.005). There was a significant difference in the oxy-Hb integral values during the activation task period between the depressed and non-depressed groups (3.16 ± 2.7 and 1.71 ± 2.4, respectively; P = 0.040). The results indicated that the patients of the depressed group showed lower oxy-Hb integral values and lower activation in the frontal lobe in comparison with the patients of the non-depressed group.

Conclusion: The present study highlights that the measurement of oxy-Hb by using fNIRS is a useful methodology for the diagnosis of PSD in patients after stroke.

Redefining a minimal assessment protocol for stroke rehabilitation: the new "Protocollo di Minima per l'ICtus" - PMIC2020

BACKGROUND

The use of standardized assessment protocols is strongly recommended to identify patient's needs, outcomes, and predictors of response to specific interventions in Stroke rehabilitation. In 2008, the Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (SIMFER) published the minimal protocol for the person with stroke (PMIC), in reference to the International classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

AIM

In 2019, the SIMFER appointed a working group (WG) to provide a revised, updated version in line with the most recent literature and suitable for all rehabilitation settings: the PMIC2020.

DESIGN

descriptive study based on the consensus of a panel of experts.

SETTING

all the rehabilitation settings.

POPULATION

stroke survivor people with disability.

METHODS

the coordinator of the SIMFER national Stroke Section appointed the WG, including the 8 Stroke Section board members, and 4 more experts (3 physiatrists; 1 neurologist). An extensive revision of the international literature on stroke assessment recommendations was performed; each proposed change from PMIC was written and motivated, discussed and voted.

RESULTS

The PMIC2020 is a single form, to be administered at any time of the rehabilitation pathway, including a minimum set of variables, consisting of a demographic/anamnestic section, and a clinical/functional assessment section. Newly introduced tools included measures of malnutrition (BMI<18,5); pain in verbal and non-verbal patients (Numeric Rating Scale-pain, Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale); neurological impairment (National Institute of Health-stroke scale); activity (Modified Barthel Index, Short Physical Performance Battery); and participation (Frenchay Activity Index).

CONCLUSIONS

The PMIC2020 provides an updated tool for the multidimensional rehabilitation assessment of the stroke patient, at any stage of the rehabilitation pathway; it aims to provide a shared minimum set of variables defining patient's needs and outcomes across different rehabilitation facilities and settings.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The PMIC2020 identifies patient's needs, outcomes, and predictors of response to specific interventions in Stroke rehabilitation and provide ground for a highly needed Stroke Registry.

Paradoxical effect of statin medication on depressive disorder in first-ever ischemic stroke patients: possible antidepressant-like effect prestroke and the opposite in continuous medication poststroke

Poststroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent complication after stroke. Statin is a widely used prophylactic for stroke. However, some researchers reported that poststroke statin may lead to a depressive change in stroke patients. We aimed to study the effect of different statin medication timing especially prestroke timing on PSD to adopt appropriate intervention around stroke. Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were consecutively observed from January 2012 to June 2017. They were grouped by different initiation time of statin treatment. The follow-up endpoints were set to: (1) diagnosis of PSD within 1-year and (2) censor data. Cox regression model adjusted for confounding factors was performed. A total of 1571 patients were included in the analyses, among which 210 (13.4%) were comorbided with PSD, and the median time of the course was 30 (14-98) days. The patients who received both pre- and poststroke statin treatment had 1.99 times (P = 0.037) the hazard faced by patients who did not receive that medication. In contrast, sole statin pretreatment may have the tendency to reduce the risk of PSD. Our findings provide the primary results for the prestroke statin medication. The initiation timing of continuous regular statin treatment ahead of ischemic stroke could have a correlation with a higher risk of PSD.

Properties of the Early Symptom Measurement of Post-Stroke Depression: Concurrent Criterion Validity and Cutoff Scores

BACKGROUND

Early-stage post-stroke depression (PSD) increases the risk of stroke-related disability and mortality in the first year of recovery. Presently available screening measures were developed to assess major depression, and none used a PSD screening criterion that was systematically developed and tested in populations of patients with acute stroke.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent criterion validity and cutoff scoring of the Early Symptom Measurement of Post-Stroke Depression (ESM-PSD) instrument in hospitalized patients with acute stroke.

METHODS

Purposive recruitment of newly admitted patients yielded a qualified sample of 139 nonaphasic participants who were 7-30 days post mild-to-moderate stroke confirmed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance images. Participants responded to the ESM-PSD and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-24 (HAMD-24).

RESULTS

The mean number of post-stroke days was 11.99 (SD = 7.68). Cronbach's alpha estimates of internal consistency were ESM-PSD = .90 and HAMD-24 = .76. ESM-PSD measurement sensitivity and specificity were superior. The following three ESM-PSD cutoff scores, determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve, were used to assess clinically relevant early-symptom levels: no PSD < 14.5, low PSD = 14.5-25.5, moderate PSD = 25.5-45.5, high PSD ≥ 45.5.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

ESM-PSD cutoff scores show the expected correspondence with mild-moderate-severe HAMD-24 symptoms, which was evidenced by the high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Planned follow-up research will assess the efficacy of using ESM-PSD scores to detect increased risk of major depression onset in patients with acute stroke.

Neuropsychiatric Complications after Stroke

Neuropsychiatric disturbances represent a common and uniquely challenging consequence of stroke. These disorders arise at the intersection of lesion-related brain dysfunction and psychological distress related to the event and its aftermath, making it difficult to identify what symptom is a direct physiological consequence of the stroke. Depression, anxiety, fatigue, apathy, emotionalism, and anger are the most common of these syndromes, and posttraumatic stress disorder related to the stroke event has become increasingly recognized as a relevant entity. Mania, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis are less commonly encountered but potentially highly debilitating conditions that may be underrecognized. Early identification and treatment may mitigate functional impairment and improve quality of life. Evidence-based guidelines from the general population are often relied upon to guide treatment. Further research is needed to understand and tailor treatment of these disorders in the poststroke population.

Depression over Time in Persons with Stroke: A Network Analysis Approach

BACKGROUND

Network analysis has been used to elucidate the relationships among depressive symptoms, but this approach has not been typically used in persons with stroke.

METHOD

Using a sample of 835 persons with stroke from Stroke Recovery in Underserved Populations 2005-2006 dataset, this study used network analysis to (1) examine changes in relationships between depressive symptoms over time, and (2) test whether baseline network characteristics were prognostic for depression persistence. Network analysis was performed on depressive symptoms collected at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and at 3-months and 12-months post-discharge.

RESULTS

The depressive symptom network at discharge was less connected than at both post-discharge follow-ups. Trouble focusing and feeling good as others were the most predictable symptoms at post-discharge, even though they were less connected to other depressive symptoms. Among participants with elevated baseline depression severity, those whose depression persisted 12 months later had more strongly connected networks at discharge than those who recovered 12 months later.

LIMITATIONS

This study was unable to determine the directionality of edges. The depression scale was administered differently across time points.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that baseline network connectivity can predict the course of post-stroke depression, similar to non-stroke populations. More broadly, the study highlights the importance of examining relationships between individual depressive symptoms rather than only sum-scores.

Post-stroke depression: A 2020 updated review

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is common and associated with higher mortality, poorer recovery, more pronounced cognitive deficits, and lower quality of life than is stroke without depression. This manuscript will conduct an updated, comprehensive and clinically-useful review of the risk factors, pathophysiology, assessment, prevention, and treatment of PSD.

METHODS

This narrative review summarizes articles obtained on PubMed, Medline, EMBase, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database. This review prioritized articles with a more robust level of evidence, such as original articles with longitudinal data and/or larger samples, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and metaanalyses.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-four articles were reviewed, of which 44 (35%) were published before 2016 and 80 (65%) that were published since 2016.

DISCUSSION

Rates of PSD range from 18 to 33%, yet it is vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated. Risk factors for PSD include female sex, history of psychiatric illness, large or multiple strokes, injuries in frontal/anterior areas or in the basal ganglia, stroke occurrence within the past year, poor social support, and pronounced disability. The pathophysiology of PSD is multifactorial and likely involves decreased levels of monoamines, abnormal neurotrophic response, increased inflammation with dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. The evidence for preventive interventions for PSD is somewhat inconsistent and modest. The best treatment for PSD consists of the combination of pharmacological, psychosocial and stroke-focused interventions.

CONCLUSION

PSD is a common, treatable condition that is associated with several negative outcomes. Early detection and proper management are critical to obtain better outcomes in individuals with PSD.

An iPad application-based intervention for improving post-stroke depression symptoms in a convalescent rehabilitation ward: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a neuropsychiatric sequela that causes serious adverse effects on the prognosis of stroke patients. Our developed iPad application is a very innovative approach designed to improve participants' depressive symptoms by presenting positive words stimuli in a video. Although this application has fewer side effects than existing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and is likely less burdensome for patients and caregivers, its efficacy for PSD has not been investigated. Here we present a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol to investigate the therapeutic potential of this application intervention for PSD patients.

METHODS

This study is designed as a 5-week, single-center, open-label, parallel-group, pilot RCT. Thirty-two patients with PSD will be randomly assigned to a combination of the iPad application and usual rehabilitation or usual rehabilitation alone (1:1 allocation ratio). The iPad application intervention lasts 3 min a day, and the usual rehabilitation lasts 3 h a day. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score at the end of the 5-week intervention.

DISCUSSION

This pilot RCT is the first study to investigate the potential of iPad application interventions to reduce depressive symptoms in PSD patients. This pilot RCT determines whether this is a viable and effective intervention and informs the design for a full-scale trial. If our hypothesis is correct, this trial can provide evidence to augment the standard practice of iPad application interventions to improve depressive symptoms in patients with PSD.