Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Post Stroke Outpatients

Abstract Introduction: Given the high prevalence of stroke, it seems necessary to investigate and identify the factors that increase morbidity and mortality following stroke. Among these factors are mental disorders after stroke which lead to increased morbidity and mortality, independently of other risk factors and the severity of the disease. Objective: To investigate the frequency of depression and anxiety symptoms after stroke and its related factors. Materials and Methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional one performed on 155 patients referred to neurologic outpatient clinics, Rasht. All patients had been diagnosed with stroke for 6 months. The conventional sampling method was used. All patients were asked to complete the demographic questionnaire, Mini Mental State Examination, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Functional Independence Measurement Scale. SPSS-22 software was used for data analysis. Results: Results showed that 50% of patients had anxiety and 46% had depression. The type of stroke had a significant relationship with depression and anxiety (P= 0.05). Also, there was a significant relationship between brain involvement and cognitive status with anxiety and depression symptoms (P= 0.05) and the most frequent site of brain involvement was left. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of depression and anxiety following stroke, timely diagnosis and treatment of such disorders can enhance the recovery process of corresponding patients, their quality of life, and their family. Conflict of interest: non declared