DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH STROKE AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

Introduction: In this study, it was aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients with stroke and their caregivers and to determine factors associated with depression. Materials and Method: This study included 97 patients with subacute and chronic stroke and 88 caregivers. Patients were evaluated using the Brunnstrom motor recovery scale for motor functions, Mini-Mental State Examination for cognitive status, Rivermead Mobility Index for mobility and Barthel Index for functional status. The patients and their caregivers were evaluated for mood disorders using the Beck Depression Inventory, and quality of life was evaluated using the Nottingham Health Profile. Results: Among the participants, 61.9% of the patients and 52.6% of the caregivers were found to have depressive symptoms. Althought comparison of the quality of life scores of the patients and their caregivers revealed no significant difference, only the physical aspect of quality of life was significantly higher in the patients. Depression scores were higher in the patients than in their caregivers. Motor functional outcomes of the hand along with mobility, cognitive functions and functional status scores were significantly negatively correlated with depression scores of the patients. Functional status scores of the patients were significantly positively correlated with motor functional outcomes (hand and upper/lower extremity), mobility and cognitive function scores. Conclusion: Functional independence and mobility are the best predictors of depressive symptoms in patients with stroke. Assessment and treatment of depression in not only in patients but also their caregivers should be a part of the general rehabilitation plan since the early stages of stroke.