One-third of veterans recovering from stroke suffer from depression

Main Category: Veterans / Ex-Servicemen
Also Included In: Stroke;  Depression
Article Date: 27 Jul 2005 - 5:00 PDT

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This study describes early poststroke emotional recovery in veterans. One hundred and twelve veterans discharged from the hospital one month poststroke completed in-home interviews and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), which were compared to evidence of depression from patient records.

Data indicated that 35 percent of the veterans were depressed.

Respondents who were depressed were struggling with low expectations of recovery and finding it difficult to accept the losses they were experiencing.

Few participants were diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Screening with the GDS is a first step in the detection of depression in patients recovering from stroke.

One-third of veterans recovering from stroke suffer from depression, pg. 277

About the Journal JRRD (Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development) has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for more than 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community. For more information about JRRD, visit http://www.vard.org.

The current issue of the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) includes articles that focus on interpersonal aspects of stroke rehabilitation, depression following stroke, stress and spinal cord injury, detection and treatment of diabetic ulcers, and sensory and communication evaluation tools. Full-text articles are available, free, online at http://www.vard.org.

Judith LaVoie
judith@vard.org
410-962-1800 x229
VA Research Communications Service

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