Chemical changes in the brain that inhibit its ability to repair itself coupled with functional changes and restricted social interaction and activity may result in post-stroke depression. One third of patients will suffer depression following a stroke.

A study that followed 188 ischemic stroke survivors found that a straighforward care managment program worked better than relying solely on antidepressant medication.

The program, called AIM, consists of three steps:

Activating stroke survivors and their families to understand and accept depression diagnosis and treatment;
Initiating antidepressant medication and
Monitoring treatment effectiveness.

The study also concluded that screening for depression should be done within 30-60 days following a stroke instead of immediately afterwards because emotional changes which occur soon after stroke may not develop into depression.

Post-stroke depression is associated with higher death rates, dimimished recovery and increased risk of subsequent stroke.

Lead Author of the study was Linda Williams, M.D., associate professor of neurology and a Regenstrief Institute research scientist. In addition to Dr. Williams, co-authors of the study are Kurt Kroenke, M.D.; Wanzhu Tu, Ph.D.; and Hugh Hendrie, MB, ChB all of the IU School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute; Laurie Plue, M.S., of the Roudebush VA Medical Center; Tamilyn Bakas, D.N.S., of the IU School of Nursing; and Ed Brizendine, M.D. of the IU School of Medicine.