Neurol. praxi. 2019;20(5):377-382
Poststroke depression
- Národní ústav duševního zdraví, Klecany
- 3. lékařská fakulta UK, Praha
One third of stroke survivors develop a clinically significant depression (poststroke depression, PSD). A higher risk is in patients with a history of depressive disorder, a more severe stroke and a more pronounced impairment of motor or cognitive functions. Given the link between PSD and higher mortality, worse outcomes, and a more pronounced motor and cognitive impairment, early recognition of PSD and its treatment is a crucial step in a care after stroke. Previous studies suggest the efficacy of antidepressants (ADs) in both the treatment of PSD and the effect on daily functioning including alleviation of motor impairment, and a possible usefulness of ADs for prophylaxis of PSD. SSRIs remain the first choice in PSD, but initial side effects, drug interactions, and the possible increased risk of bleeding events should be considered. Other ADs are either associated with higher risks (tricyclic ADs) or have not sufficiently proven their effect (newer AD) in PSD. Among them, vortioxetine seems to be an interesting alternative to SSRIs due to its good safety profile, efficacy in the elderly, and an effect on cognitive function. Psychosocial interventions providing at least an education about PSD, a support for caregivers, and strategies to improve adherence to treatment should be an integral part of collaborative care intervetions to improve treatment outcome. Stimulation methods are currently reserved for severe PSD cases or as an alternative to ADs, but evidence of efficacy (and of a safety concern in ECT) is limited.
Keywords: stroke, poststroke depression, antidepressants
Published: November 1, 2019 Show citation
