Psychosocial components in stroke. Implications for adaptation.

Relatively little is known about poststroke psychosocial adjustments when compared to the wealth of data present regarding functional recovery. Recent studies have shown depression to exist in a large portion of the stroke population. Varying degrees of depression may be associated with lesion location, functional capacity, and personal and social support. Identification of depression in stroke patients and the implications for care interventions are in their infancy. Beginning efforts at assessing coping strategies and personal resources are indicating some correlation between how people cope and their ability to manage stressful illness situations such as stroke. At present, there is no conclusive evidence that any intervention can improve emotional and social well-being. Efforts are being pursued to treat stroke depressive disorders. These efforts, combined with the initiation of stroke support groups, ongoing community follow-up, and psychosocial treatment approaches, may improve the quality of life of stroke victims.