Stroke can cause many different effects. Most people recognise there can be physical effects such as weakness or speech problems, but stroke can also cause psychological changes such as depression and apathy. This factsheet explains depression and apathy after stroke, describes the help and support that is available and provides some tips to help you to cope.
What is depression?
We all have times when we feel low or sad. This is a normal reaction to experiences that are upsetting or stressful. These feelings usually pass, but if you have depression you feel more than just feeling sad or upset. Depression is an illness which is characterised by intense feelings of persistent sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. It is often accompanied by physical effects such as a loss of energy or physical aches and pains.
How can a stroke cause depression?
Depression is the most common psychological change that you may experience after stroke. , It is estimated that around half of stroke survivors suffer significant depression in the first year following their stroke. ,
Stroke can cause depression in a number of ways. A stroke causes physical damage to the brain. When brain cells are damaged, the parts of the body and mental functions controlled by these cells may not work properly , , . This physical damage can cause a number of psychological effects such as emotionalism (having difficulty controlling your emotions) and personality changes, as well as depression.
Having a stroke can be a frightening experience. Stroke happens very suddenly and it can take some time to come to terms with the shock of what has happened. Many people feel frightened, anxious, frustrated or angry about what has happened to them, the impact of the disabilities they may be left with and the changes this may bring to their life. This is normal, but sometimes these feelings can develop into depression.
There can also be underlying physical causes for depression. For example, chronic pain affects
According to upmc