Article

The aim was to document the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and
depression 5 years after stroke, across four European centres. METHOD: A cohort
of 220 stroke patients was assessed at 2, 4 and 6 months and 5 years after
stroke. Patients were assessed on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and
measures of motor function and independence in activities of daily living.
RESULTS: At 5 years, the prevalence of anxiety was 29% and depression 33%, with
no significant differences between centres. The severity of anxiety and
depression increased significantly between 6 months and 5 years. Higher anxiety
at 6 months and centre were significantly associated with anxiety at 5 years, but
not measures of functional recovery. Higher depression scores at 6 months, older
age and centre, but not measures of functional recovery, were associated with
depression at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression were more frequent at
5 years after stroke than at 6 months. There were significant differences between
four European centres in the severity of anxiety and depression. Although the
main determinant of anxiety or depression scores at 5 years was the level of
anxiety or depression at 6 months, this accounted for little of the variance.
Centre was also a significant predictor of mood at 5 years. There needs to be
greater recognition of the development of mood disorders late after stroke and
evaluation of variation in management policies across centres.

Langue : ANGLAIS