Depression After a Stroke: What to Know

 My god, post stroke depression is so fucking simple! And you don't understand that! Survivors want you to prevent depression and you do that by 100% RECOVERY PROTOCOLS! Do you not understand what survivors want? 

Depression After a Stroke: What to Know

Experiencing depression after a stroke is common. Medical professionals may recommend managing symptoms with medications as well as psychotherapy and other non-pharmacological interventions.

“Poststroke depression” (PSD) is the term for depression that may develop after you’ve experienced a stroke.

According to the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, PSD affects up to one-thirdTrusted Source of people who have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (sometimes called a ministroke).

A 2024 research review suggests that PSD may affect up to 43.9% of older adults.

While the exact causes of PSD are not fully understood, expertsTrusted Source believe biochemical changes and inflammation resulting from a stroke affect parts of the brain that are associated with mood regulation and thinking ability.

The results of a small 2023 study with 85 participants suggest that stroke may contribute to depression by changing the brain’s serotonin networks and affecting neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to repair, adapt, and form new connections between neurons).

Environmental factors can also play a role in PSD. Recovering from a stroke can be stressful, and not everyone has access to support networks. Stroke can lead to major changes in your abilities and can put a significant strain on your everyday life.