Impact of acute phase depression on functional outcomes in stroke patients over 1 year

This study examined the influence of acute phase post-stroke depression (PSD) on various functional outcomes over 1 year after stroke. PSD was diagnosed at 2 weeks after stroke using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and functional outcomes were assessed via the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, the Barthel Index, and the Mini-Mental State Examination at 2 weeks and 1 year. Acute phase PSD was an independent predictor of poor functional outcomes during both the acute and chronic phases. Considering the negative impact of PSD on stroke outcomes, identification of acute phase PSD is important for improving functional outcomes.