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

Recognition of depression in aphasic stroke patients

A C Laska  1 , B Mårtensson, T Kahan, M von Arbin, V Murray
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Recognition of depression in aphasic stroke patients

A C Laska et al. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2007.

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.

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