Analysis of intensity of post-stroke depression and its relationship with the cerebral lesion location

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested a close relationship between intensity of post-stroke depression and lesion location, but the relationships are not clear for some authors, In this study we try to test the hypothesis that the intensity of depression in an early stage (4th week) of cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) in related to lesion location and type of lesion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a sample of one hundred and thirty patients in the fourth week of the evolution of an unilateral CVA, 48 patients fulfilled research diagnostic criteria (RDC) of post-stroke depression (34 major depression; 14 minor depression). Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (SADS) and standard measures of intensity of depression (Hamilton's HRDS, Montgomery-Asberg's MADRS and Beck's BDI) were used. RESULTS: In the fourth week of the evolution of CVA's, depression intensity measures (HRDS and BDI) were significanty higher in anterior lesion when compared to posterior lesions. No significant differences were found between right and left lesions, but both were higher than in non-hemispheric lesions. No significant differences of prevalence or intensity of depression were found in relation to lesion type (hemorragic/ischaemic). CONCLUSION: The results confirm a relationship between intensity mood disorders after a cerebral vascular accident and the topography of the lesion.