Stroke Survivors Commonly Suffer From Depression

In a recent study, researchers discovered that one in twelve stroke survivors think about suicide or believe that they would be better off dead. The study highlighted that these numbers are higher than those suffering with other health problems such as heart attacks or cancer, which suggests that depression following a stroke is more of a serious affliction than we first realised. The study is the first which has delved into the specifics of the suicidal thoughts rather than simply depressive thoughts.

The University of Southern California in Los Angeles held the study, and stated that when patients are treated for depression, they are more motivated to maintain their medication, live a full life and take part in therapy. More than six million people in America alone suffer from a stroke, and of this number 800,000 people go on to develop depression – few studies have been carried out to determine the risk of suicidal thoughts though. During the study, around eight percent of stroke survivors reported suicidal thoughts, in comparison to just six percent of heart attack survivors, five percent of diabetes sufferers and four percent of cancer survivors.

In the study, it was noted that more suicidal thoughts were scored in those who were younger, overweight, poorer, female and unmarried. It is believed that depression is common amongst stroke survivors as strokes damage the brain, the very part of the body which controls your mood. It isn’t necessarily just a reaction to the disease but also the disease itself which releases harmful chemicals that can trigger depressive tendencies. Depression and other mental health problems are a common affliction that affects millions of people every day. If you think you might be suffering with depression, speak to your GP who can offer you a test to determine if you are indeed suffering with this condition.