Post stroke depression and its effects on functional rehabilitation of patients: socio-cultural disability communities

Background: Stroke is considered to be the third, most frequent cause of death and the leading cause of disability in Western societies. Apart from physical problems, stroke can cause psychological and social problems, too as post Stroke Depression (PSD) which is the most common emotional disorder that usually occurs in the first months, in about 1/3 of patients surviving after stroke.Aim: To describe the frequency of post stroke depression (PSD) and its effects on functional recovery of patients.Method: A systematic review was conducted on databases MEDLINE, PUBMED, CINAHL, and the web using Google Scholar.Results: Thirty articles were retrieved, from 2000 and onwards which met the selection criteria. According to the results, PSD is a common and serious complication after stroke. Approximately 1/3 of the patients have a type of depression in the first year after stroke, with the risk increasing, the first months of the onset of stroke. The researchers suggest that there is a collaborative relationship between stroke and depression, which leads to inability to perform activities of daily living and slows the rehabilitation of patients.Conclusion: Early detection of PSD and the implementation of appropriate therapeutic interventions in rehabilitation units help to speed up the recovery process and reintegration of patients into society.