Guidelines for Treatment of Chronic Depression in the Aphasic Patient

Abstract

This article defines the language disorder of aphasia and the motor speech disorders of apraxia of speech and the dysarthrias. Discussion includes depression and the five definable sets of behaviors related to the phenomenon: motor-expressive behaviors, affective, cognitive, motivational, and somatic, and the relationship of self-concept to both depression and visual and verbal thought. Detailed discussion of treatment of chronic depression inpatients with non-organic reactive factors is presented. These include positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors, avoidance of verbal punishment, labeling the disorder for the client and family, and time structuring or scheduling to assist in motivation. In addition, implementation of support from family, friends, and social relationships, tolerance of expressions of frustration and anger by the client, and environmental manipulation are considered therapeutic interventions.

Aphasia – an existential loneliness: A study on the loss of the world of symbols

“…Depressed persons with aphasia suffer from reduced self-esteem, which may change their self-image (Tanner, Gerstenberger & Keller, 1989). Depression may further affect the motivation needed for improving functional independence, as failure to participate in the community due to impaired verbal ability often results in feelings of loneliness and isolation (Währborg, 1991).…”

Nursing Care of Clients with Impaired Communication

“…Emotional tension, anxiety, depression, sadness, and loneliness can hamper communication and the willingness to share feelings with others. Cultural trends also affect verbal and nonverbal communication (Louis & Povse, 1980;McFarland & Naschinski, 1985;Tanner & Gerstenberger, 1989).…”

“…Aphasia may be defined as a multiple-modality loss of language ability usually caused by damage to the dominant hemisphere. This loss ranges from mild to severe, and may affect auditory and reading comprehension, verbal and written expression, object recognition, and ability to repeat sounds and words (Louis & Povse, 1980;Mumma, 1987;Norman & Baratz, 1979;Pimental, 1986;Tanner & Gerstenberger, 1989). Three types of aphasia will be discussed here: Broca's, Wernicke's, and global.…”

“…Auditory comprehension may be intact, but the ability to read, write, and name objects is impaired (Dittmar, 1989;Louis & Povse, 1980;Norman & Baratz, 1979;Pimental, 1986). Often, these clients are aware of their deficits and may become severely depressed (Tanner & Gerstenberger, 1989).…”

Quality of Life After Stroke: Exposing a Gap in Nursing Literature

“…Studies of stroke patients generally have focused on the physical aspects of stroke recovery, such as ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs); only in the past decade have articles been written that focus on the emotional and psychosocial aspects of recovery (Doolittle, 1988). Some of the research and theoretical works focus on (a) the importance of support groups in facilitating the emotional recovery of clients and family (Pasquarello, 1990;Pierce & Salter, 1988), (b) recognizing depression in stroke patients (Feibel & Springer, 1982;Tanner, Gerstenberger, & Keller, 1989), (c) perceived losses following stroke (Mumma, 1986), (d) the impact of disability on the stroke patient's family (Stroker, 1983), (e) social relations in stroke rehabilitation (Evans & Northwood, 1982), and (f) sexual dysfunction after stroke (Emick-Herring, 1985;Monga, Lawson, & Inglis, 1986). Few articles (Ahlsio, Britton, Murray, & Theorell, 1984;Doolittle, 1988) have examined how having a stroke affects patients' and their loved ones' perception of quality of life (QOL) or what factors affect quality of life or life satisfaction for these people.…”