Factors Influencing Depression In Patients Of Cerebrovascular Accidents-A Study

Abstract Background: Post Stroke Depression (PSD) is one of the most frequent Neuropsychiatric consequences of stroke. It affects almost 29%-70% of Stroke Survivors (SS). There is paucity of research data in determining the risk factors and especially severity and association of depression with site of lesion location in Indian community. Aim and Objectives: To determine factors associated with PSD and association between Socio-demographic profiles, Stroke symptoms, Site of lesion with depression. Materials and Methods: It’s a cross-sectional study including participants from the outpatients section of Department of Neurology at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences. A predetermined sample size of 60 patients with CVA patients was enrolled in the study and their socio demographic details are collected along with administering Beck’s Depression Inventory for Depression. Neuro-imaging provided information on lesion location. Collected data was analysed using SPSS version 19 and using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In this study 18 out of 60 subjects with stroke were diagnosed with PSD. Risk factors found to be mainly associated with PSD are lack of family support, Joint family types, Stroke with Aphasia, Cranial Nerve involvement and Motor System weakness whereas, Substance use is found to be a protective factor. Significant numbers of subjects were found to have left-anterior-sub-cortical lesions associated with PSD. Conclusion: This study highlights the variables which are to be considered in the recognition of PSD for Neurologists and Mental health care workers for early intervention and a better outcome in view of stroke recovery.