Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a form of depression that may occur after a stroke. PSD significantly impacts stroke recovery and overall quality of life for those affected. It is particularly associated with strokes affecting the basal ganglia or the anterior regions of the brain, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Treatment can include medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and/or cognitive behavioral therapy.
| Post-stroke depression | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A stroke of the middle cerebral artery can cause post-stroke depression | |
| Specialty | Neurology, psychiatry |
| Usual onset | After a stroke: acute, subacute, or chronically |
| Causes | Stroke of the anterior brain or the basal ganglia |
| Treatment | Cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressant medications |
| Frequency | 18-33% of stroke survivors |
Incidence and Risk Factors
editPSD has a reported incidence of 18% to 33%,[1] though it is commonly underdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms between stroke and depression. A comprehensive meta-analysis found that over half of stroke patients experience at least one episode of depression.[2] Various risk factors increase the likelihood of developing PSD, including:[1][2]
- Female gender
- Prior history of mental illness
- Suffering from large or multiple strokes
- Anterior or basal ganglia region strokes
- Diffuse white matter damage
- Higher levels of post-stroke disability
Pathogenesis
editThe exact mechanisms behind PSD are not completely understood, as the condition results from a complex interplay of neurochemical, structural, and inflammatory disruptions of brain function. In particular, the function of the limbic system, which is commonly implicated in major depressive disorder, may be disrupted either directly or indirectly by a stroke. Key mechanisms implicated in PSD include glutamate toxicity, HPA axis dysfunction, abnormal neurotrophic response, decreased monoamine levels.[1]
Collectively, these mechanisms are most pronounced in the frontal lobes, hippocampus, limbic system, and basal ganglia.[1] Strokes affecting these regions of the brain are thus more likely to cause PSD. Some evidence also suggests that the left side is more commonly associated with PSD, and with greater severity, than the right.[3]
Glutamate Toxicity
editGlutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that, in excessive amounts, causes excitotoxicity by promoting calcium influx into neurons.[4] This influx can lead to neuronal death, contributing to brain damage of the emotional regulation and reward pathways, leading to the development of depression.
HPA Axis Dysregulation
editThe hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is responsible for regulating stress responses. HPA axis dysfunction is associated with both sustained elevation of glucocorticoid levels and chronic inflammation, both of which are associated with major depressive disorder.[5] Dysregulation of the HPA axis can perpetuate a cycle of neuroinflammation that exacerbates depressive symptoms.[1]
Abnormal Neurotrophic Response
editNeurotrophic factors, which support the growth, maturation, and survival of neurons, are impaired in PSD.[1] This disruption particularly affects the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, leading to diminished neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, which are critical for emotional regulation and cognitive function.[6]
Lower Monoamine Levels
editPSD is associated with decreased levels of monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are vital for mood regulation, cognitive functions, and the brain's reward system. Lower levels in the frontal cortex and limbic system contribute to depression seen in PSD and in patients with other forms of depression.[1][5]
Screening and Diagnosis
editScreening for PSD should be a standard, routine, and repeated part of post-stroke care,[7] with tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) recommended for this purpose. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the overlap between stroke-related neurological symptoms and depression, which can present with or without a typical depressed mood. Additionally, sensory and cognitive impairments seen in many stroke patients may complicate mental health assessments.[1]
Differentiating from Post-Stroke Apathy
editIt is essential to differentiate PSD from post-stroke apathy (PSA). While PSA involves diminished goal-directed behavior and a lack of spontaneous movement or speech, it does not encompass low mood, thoughts of death or suicide, or feelings of guilt and worthlessness, which are associated with depression.[1][5] Neurologically, PSA is more associated with extensive white matter degeneration than PSD.[8]
Treatment
editTreatment strategies for PSD typically involve one or both of the following.[1]
- Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have shown efficacy in managing PSD.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Although CBT has demonstrated benefits in PSD patients, stroke-related symptoms such as aphasia or physical limitations may hinder or prevent active participation in therapy sessions.
Some, but not all, sources recommend the prophylactic use of antidepressant medications (primarily SSRIs and SNRIs) in patients with strokes considered to be high risk for PSD.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Medeiros, Gustavo C.; Roy, Durga; Kontos, Nicholas; Beach, Scott R. (2020). "Post-stroke depression: A 2020 updated review". General Hospital Psychiatry. 66: 70–80. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2020.06.011. ISSN 1873-7714. PMID 32717644.
- ^ a b Ayerbe, Luis; Ayis, Salma; Wolfe, Charles D. A.; Rudd, Anthony G. (Jan 2013). "Natural history, predictors and outcomes of depression after stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis". British Journal of Psychiatry. 202 (1): 14–21. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.111.107664. ISSN 0007-1250. PMID 23284148.
- ^ Ropper, Allan H.; Samuels, Martin A.; Klein, Joshua P.; Prasad, Sashank (2023). "Chapter 48: Depression and Bipolar Disorder". Adams and Victor's principles of neurology (12th ed.). New York Chicago San Francisco Athens London: McGraw Hill. ISBN 978-1-264-26452-0.
- ^ Suwanjang, Wilasinee; Holmström, Kira M.; Chetsawang, Banthit; Abramov, Andrey Y. (Apr 2013). "Glucocorticoids reduce intracellular calcium concentration and protects neurons against glutamate toxicity". Cell Calcium. 53 (4): 256–263. doi:10.1016/j.ceca.2012.12.006. ISSN 1532-1991. PMC 4208294. PMID 23340218.
- ^ a b c Vanderah, Todd W. (2023). "Chapter 30: Antidepressant Agents". In Katzung, Bertram G. (ed.). Katzung's basic & clinical pharmacology. A Lange medical book (16th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-1-260-46330-9.
- ^ Price, Rebecca B.; Duman, Ronald (Mar 2020). "Neuroplasticity in cognitive and psychological mechanisms of depression: an integrative model". Molecular Psychiatry. 25 (3): 530–543. doi:10.1038/s41380-019-0615-x. ISSN 1476-5578. PMC 7047599. PMID 31801966.
- ^ Sewell, Katherine; Tse, Tamara; Donnan, Geoffrey A; Carey, Leeanne M (2021-10-04). "Screening for post-stroke depression: who, when and how?". Medical Journal of Australia. 215 (7): 305–307.e1. doi:10.5694/mja2.51256. hdl:11343/298982. ISSN 0025-729X. PMID 34519032.
- ^ Hollocks, Matthew J.; Lawrence, Andrew J.; Brookes, Rebecca L.; Barrick, Thomas R.; Morris, Robin G.; Husain, Masud; Markus, Hugh S. (Dec 2015). "Differential relationships between apathy and depression with white matter microstructural changes and functional outcomes". Brain. 138 (12): 3803–3815. doi:10.1093/brain/awv304. ISSN 0006-8950. PMC 4655344. PMID 26490330.
- ^ Salter, Katherine L.; Foley, Norine C.; Zhu, Lynn; Jutai, Jeffrey W.; Teasell, Robert W. (Nov 2013). "Prevention of Poststroke Depression: Does Prophylactic Pharmacotherapy Work?". Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases. 22 (8): 1243–1251. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2012.03.013. ISSN 1052-3057. PMID 22554569.