[Depressive symptoms following ischemic stroke].

Depressed mood and other depressive symptoms frequently seen after cerebral stroke contribute to an unfavorable prognosis in this patient population. Identification of the subgroup of patients at increased risk for depressive symptoms is a prerequisite of early treatment. In the study aimed at evaluation of post-stroke depressive symptoms prevalence and risk factors participants were 766 consecutive patients with ischemic cerebral infarction, admitted in the years 1997-2000 to the Stroke Unit, Neurology Department in Cracow. Data concerning depressive symptoms, demographic characteristics and clinical variables were obtained from medical records. Depressive symptoms during the hospitalization were found in 19% of cases. Younger age, neurological deficits and previous history of psychiatric disorders were independent factors increasing the risk of post-stroke depressive symptoms. The study allowed to identify the subpopulation of stroke patients at risk for affective disorders following a cerebrovascular accident.