Background and Purpose —Previous studies have shown a large variation concerning the frequency of poststroke depression. This variation is caused by differences in patient populations, psychiatric assessment methods, and diagnostic criteria. In this study, we evaluated the frequency and clinical correlates of poststroke depression in a large well-defined stroke cohort. Methods —We studied a consecutive series of 486 patients with ischemic stroke aged from 55 to 85 years. Of these, 277 patients underwent a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including the Present State Examination, from 3 to 4 months after ischemic stroke. The criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , edition 3, revised (DSM-III-R), were used for the diagnosis of depressive disorders. Results —The frequency of any depressive disorder was 40.1% (n=111). Major depression was diagnosed in 26.0% (n=72) and minor depression in 14.1% (n=39). Major depression with no other explanatory factor besides stroke was diagnosed in 18.0% (n=49) of the patients. Comparing depressed and nondepressed patients, we found no statistically significant difference in sex, age, education, stroke type, stroke localization, stroke syndrome, history of previous cerebrovascular disease, or frequency of DSM-III-R dementia. According to the multiple logistic regression model, dependency in daily life correlated with the diagnosis of depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 3.1) and with the diagnosis of major depression (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 5.5). A history of previous depressive episodes also correlated with the diagnosis of depression (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4) and with the diagnosis of major depression (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 5.5), whereas solely stroke-related major depression correlated only weakly with stroke severity as measured on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.1). Conclusions —Clinically significant depression is frequent after ischemic stroke. We emphasize the importance of the psychiatric examination of poststroke patients, especially those with a significant disability and with a history of prior depressive episodes.

The influence of depression on the long-term outcome of stroke patients was examined among 390 of 486 consecutive patients aged 55-85 years. They completed, at 3 months after ischaemic stroke, a detailed medical, neurological, and radiological stroke evaluation, structured measures of emotion (Beck's Depression Inventory, BDI), handicap (Rankin scale, RS), and assessment of activities of daily living (Barthel Index, BI). Further RS and BI was evaluated at 15-month follow-up from these 390 patients and BDI in 276 patients. A group of 256 patients completed, in addition to the 15-month follow-up, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including the Present State Examination 3 months after stroke. The DSM-III-R criteria were used for diagnosis of the depressive disorders. BDI identified depression (cut-off point > or = 10 for depression) in 171 (43.9%) of 390 and in 123 (44.6%) of 276 patients at 3- and 15-month follow-up. DSM-III-R major depression was diagnosed in 66 (25.8%), and minor depression in 32 (12.5%), of 256 patients 3 months after stroke. Patients with BDI > or = 10, or major, but not minor, depression more often had poor functional outcome (RS > II and BI < 17) at 15 months. Poor functional outcome at 3 months also correlated with depression at 15 months. In logistic regression analysis, depression at 3 months (Beck > or = 10) correlated with poor functional outcome at 15 months (RS > II) (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.6-3.8). More careful examination and treatment of depression in stroke patients is emphasized.

This is the first study that focuses on insomnia in stroke patients. A subgroup of 277 patients from a consecutive series of 486 stroke patients aged 55–85 years was subjected to a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation 3–4 months after ischemic stroke. Of 277 patients, 56.7% reported any insomnia complaint and 37.5% fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria of insomnia. In 38.6%, insomnia complaint/insomnia had already been present prior to the stroke and in 18.1%, it was a consequence of the stroke. Independent correlates of any insomnia complaint/insomnia were anxiety (Zung Anxiety Scale) and the use of psychotropic drug. Independent correlates of poststroke-onset insomnia complaint/insomnia were disability after stroke (Barthel Index), dementia, anxiety and use of psychotropic drug. Insomnia should be taken into consideration in treating and rehabilitating stroke patients.

Lesions affecting the prefrontosubcortical circuits, especially on the left side, are correlates of depression after ischemic stroke.