Recognition of depression in aphasic stroke patients

Cerebrovasc Dis. 2007;24(1):74-9. doi: 10.1159/000103119. Epub 2007 May 23.

Abstract

Background: Data on post-stroke depression in aphasia are scarce.

Methods: Eighty-nine acute stroke patients with aphasia of all types were followed for 6 months to investigate if depression can be reliably diagnosed (DSM-IV criteria) and validly assessed by the verbal Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and a global technique (Clinical Global Impressions Rating Scale for Severity). A standard aphasia test was performed.

Results: In 60 patients (67%) at baseline and in 100% at 6 months, comprehension allowed a reliable DSM-IV diagnosis. Among these patients MADRS was feasible in 95% at baseline and in 100% at 6 months. The assistance of relatives and staff increases the feasibility and decreases the validity. Depression was identified in 24% during the 6 months.

Conclusion: Depression diagnosis and severity rating can reliably be made in the acute phase in at least two thirds of aphasic patients, and feasibility increases over time.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aphasia / complications*
  • Aphasia / etiology
  • Aphasia / psychology
  • Depression / diagnosis*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Emotions
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stroke / complications*
  • Stroke / psychology
  • Time Factors
  • Verbal Behavior*