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Κατάθλιψη μετά από αγγειακό εγκεφαλικό επεισόδιο (Master thesis)

Ζοφίνσκα, Μαρτίνα Ρόμα

Postroke Depression (PSD) is one of the most frequent neuropsychiatric disorder following a stroke, associated with greater disability as well as increased mortality. Prevalence rates of PSD range from 25% to 79% and a significant number of cases are neither diagnosed or nor treated. The pathophysiological mechanisms of PSD are not yet fully understood. Biological, behavioral and social factors are thought to be involved. The term ``early-onset PSD`` has been proposed to refer to PSD occurring within the first three months after stroke while ``late-onset PSD`` refers to PSD developing after three months. The symptoms of PSD are similar to those of common depression, including or not the feeling of sadness. Many screening tools have been used to diagnose the PSD and one specific questionnaire has been constructed to identify the depression after a stroke, the PSDRS (Postroke Depression Rating Scale). Pharmacological therapy with antidepressants and psychotherapy should be considered as first line of treatment for PSD. Neuromodulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as well as novel psychosocial interventions are potentially useful treatments in need of further research. A significant role in the treatment of PSD plays the prevention