The Assessment of Depression in Stroke Patients with Communication Problems

Following a stroke 20-60% of patients develop depression, which has been shown to significantly interfere with their recovery and quality of life. Although there has been a great deal of research on depression following stroke most studies rely on interviews and written tests to make a diagnosis of depression. However, about 30% of stroke patients will also suffer moderate to severe communication problems, either in understanding language, or the ability to produce spoken language. Therefore depression is often undiagnosed and untreated in these patients.

This study is designed to evaluate ways of recognising depression in patients with language problems. The study will help people in hospitals and rehabilitation centres recognise depression in these patients so that they can be treated. It will also provide the research community with the opportunity to include these patients in any future research on depression and its treatment.

Scientific Title: The assessment of depression in aphasic stroke patients

Classification:
Rehabilitation, Quality of life

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