The Lancet: Risk of developing depression after a stroke increases in 60 percent of people

Researchers from King's College London have found that 60 percent of stroke survivors have an increased risk of developing depression over the next 18 years. At the same time, in 90% of cases, depression occurs within the first five years after a stroke. The results of the study are published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe.

A total of 6,600 people participated in the study. Scientists collected information about the health status of the subjects and asked them to report whether they experienced symptoms of depression (or confirm the presence of such a diagnosis). The researchers also examined data on the strokes suffered by the participants.

It turned out that 60 percent of people who had a stroke had an increased risk of developing depression over the next 18 years. The scientists noted that previous studies have reported a much lower duration of high probability of potential depression.

The researchers also found that in 90 percent of cases, this mental disorder develops within the first five years after a stroke. They noted that post-stroke depression is considered a common complication after a circulatory disorder in the brain. However, the rapid development of depressive disorder after stroke often correlates with its high severity, duration, and ability to recur.

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