Poststroke Depression: Pathophysiology and Treatment Strategies

Abstract Stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common and serious complication found in people after stroke. Approximately, one third of stroke survivors suffer from PSD, which may affect mortality, functional recovery, and quality of life, as well as increase the risk of recurrent stroke. Because the symptoms are often neglected or unrecognized by patients, family members, and even physicians, the severity of PSD has been underestimated and it remains underdiagnosed. Effective prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment have been shown to enhance rehabilitation efforts, improve physical and cognitive outcomes, and reduce the incidence of recurrent stroke. This brief review will discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, mechanisms, and treatment strategies and provide a future perspective on novel approaches to improve the management and prevention of PSD.