Anxiety and depression after stroke: a 5 year follow-up

Purpose: The aim was to document the prevalence and
predictors of anxiety and depression 5 years after stroke, across
four European centres. Method: A cohort of 220 stroke patients
was assessed at 2, 4 and 6 months and 5 years after stroke.
Patients were assessed on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression
Scale and measures of motor function and independence in
activities of daily living. Results: At 5 years, the prevalence
of anxiety was 29% and depression 33%, with no significant
differences between centres. The severity of anxiety and
depression increased significantly between 6 months and 5
years. Higher anxiety at 6 months and centre were significantly
associated with anxiety at 5 years, but not measures of
functional recovery. Higher depression scores at 6 months,
older age and centre, but not measures of functional recovery,
were associated with depression at 5 years. Conclusions: Anxiety
and depression were more frequent at 5 years after stroke than
at 6 months. There were significant differences between four
European centres in the severity of anxiety and depression.
Although the main determinant of anxiety or depression scores
at 5 years was the level of anxiety or depression at 6 months,
this accounted for little of the variance. Centre was also a
significant predictor of mood at 5 years. There needs to be
greater recognition of the development of mood disorders late
after stroke and evaluation of variation in management policies
across centres.

Jaar van publicatie:2013

Trefwoorden:anxiety, depression, stroke, prevalence, prognosis