Recognizing poststroke depression.

Depression following stroke is a complication that frequently is untreated. Lack of awareness of those at risk for poststroke depression, combined with lack of information about depression in stroke patients, may be one reason for this neglect. This article reviews recent studies on characteristics of poststroke depression. The location of the lesion, degree of functional loss, and distinction between major and dysthymic (minor) depression all are factors that influence poststroke depression.