Women twice as likely to suffer severe depression after stroke

New research published today in the European Journal of Neurology revealed that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from severe depression as a result of stroke.

The King & # 39; s College London research team tracked the evolution of symptoms over five years after the start of stroke in 2,313 people (1,275 men and 1,038 women) .

They found that 20% of women had severe depression, compared to 10% of men. They also found different patterns of symptom progression; that a long-term increase in symptoms of depression is badociated with higher mortality rates; and that initially moderate symptoms in men tend to worsen over time.

Stroke is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when blood flow in a part of the brain is blocked. It is estimated that one in six people in the world will experience a stroke during his lifetime and that there are more than 100,000 in the UK each year. Although the severity and symptoms vary, about a third of survivors suffer from depression as a result of their stroke: about 400,000 people in the UK today.

Patients who had their very first stroke between 1998 and 2016 were recruited into the South London Stroke Register (SLSR) study and followed until July 2017. Participants' mental health was badessed using the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) scale. cross-referenced with their physical health and socio-demographic data.

Lead author, Dr. Salma Ayis, of the School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences of King's College London, said: "Although we can not know exactly why Depression is more prevalent among women, women may feel more In addition, because women are living longer, they are more vulnerable to loneliness, poor physical health, and loss of support. which can all lead to depression.

"What is common to both bades is the dramatic decrease in the likelihood of survival with increasing symptoms of depression.We therefore believe that by monitoring the symptoms of depression among stroke and by acting accordingly, clinicians may be able to provide better long-term care. "

Provided by
King's College London