WASHINGTON, D.C.: Left untreated, depression can undermine efforts at rehabilitation and worsen cognitive disabilities.
Depression after a stroke is associated with poorer outcomes a year after the stroke has occurred. It’s also associated with a higher death rate in subsequent years.
Fortunately, antidepressants seem to be fairly effective. In 2008, scientists published a review of the research in this area. They concluded that the medications had a “small but significant” effect on post-stroke depression.
What’s more, the benefits of antidepressants may not be limited to relieving depression; they may positively affect areas and networks in the brain that improve other impaired functions as well. Studies have found that certain antidepressants, in combination with physical therapy, can help with recovery from stroke-induced paralysis, muscle weakness and overall disability…