Research into psychiatric disorder after stroke: the need for further studies.

Attention is drawn to some shortcomings of previous findings with regard to the nature, prevalence and aetiology of psychiatric disorder after stroke, and in particular post-stroke depression. Reasons for and drawbacks of the emphasis on depression in studies to date are discussed. Inconsistencies amongst previous findings are examined and it is suggested that many further studies in the area are warranted providing methodological difficulties are addressed adequately.